GARWIN - Forty two years on the job and still she is called the "Energizer Bunny."
For Karen Ware, the passion for her job as language arts teacher at GMG High School is still evident, just four months shy of retirement.
"That's just the way I am," Ware said of her animated teaching style.
GMG Principal Mark Polich called her an icon.
Senior student Madisun VanGundy said Ware is a passionate teacher.
"I love that she's so energetic," VanGundy said.
Ware, 63, said the time is right to retire to spend time with her husband Vince - who retired from Fisher Controls several years ago - and to visit their three children and six grandchildren.
"My grandkids are growing up and none of them live around here, so we want to travel to see them," Ware said.
The couple will also squeeze in time to tour overseas with plans to hit spots in Northern Europe and Asia.
Ware can't say enough good things about her co-workers at GMG, many of whom she taught when they went through the school as students.
"We're very supportive of each other," she said. "The staff is very concerned about the kids and concerned about each other."
Ware is a native of Garwin and came back to teach at then Garwin High School in 1970 after going to college at the University of Northern Iowa and marrying Vince. She takes pride in seeing the great writing produced by her students through the years and the more than 15 plays she helped produce with band director Dan Lastovka.
Polich will miss her fiery attitude and her ability to work with the students.
"She's my 'Energizer Bunny,'" he said. "She does a lot of things around here besides teach."
The good news is she won't be far if they need a substitute teacher, so Polich will hold onto her number. So it's not goodbye for good this spring, it's more of a see you later.
Speaking of this spring, Ware said her final official days of full time teaching will be emotional for her.
"It's been a tough decision (to retire) because it's been my life," Ware said. "I'm going to miss the kids. I love my job and I love the kids."
VanGundy currently takes a World Literature course taught by Ware, where they were discussing "Hamlet" this week. VanGundy is glad that she is graduating this spring so she'll never have to experience high school without Ware.
"Whoever comes after her will have big shoes to fill," she said.
