By Devon Wiser
After 38 years, Ms. Rudakewich, Tyrone Area Elementary School librarian, has decided to retire and wants teachers to “enjoy every moment because it goes fast. First you’re the youngest, then the oldest.”
Rudakewich first had thoughts of retiring in October of 2011, but came to the final decision to retire in January of 2012. Although she likes being a librarian, she decided to retire because there was talk of making her job into a K through 12 position, and she said that twice the fun would kill her.
Rudakewich grew up in Economy, PA and went to Ridge Road Elementary. She then went to Ambridge Area High School and continued her education at Clarion University. She came to TASD, her first job out of college, because they offered her a job, although she wanted a job in Punxsutawney because she believed it was the most interesting and she had family there.
Her favorite teaching memory was when a fifth grade girl was carrying several books about various topics such as mummies, planets, and plants. Ms. Rudakewich questioned the girl as to why she had such an array of books, and the fifth grader replied, “I want to be a librarian, and they have to know everything.”
Rudakewich says that the students who stood out the most to her were the ones who called attention to themselves by always having their hands raised, the big readers, the librarian helpers, and the ones that were quiet and went under the radar. Her favorite class of all time is the current fifth grade class because of their good behavior and work ethics.
Rudakewich says that there are two benefits of teaching. The first is that “fun, special moment when the kids finally get it.” The second is “getting to see all of the kids grow up and seeing how they turn out, whether good or bad.”
She learned as a teacher that she should have talked more in school. She says that she never raised her hand or asked questions as a student, and she wishes she had taken more chances and wasn’t shy.
Mitchell Myers, ninth grader, said, “The reason this story is news is because it’s emotional! She’s probably one of the best librarians Tyrone’s ever had.”
Zoey Hampoton, fourth grader, said, “I’ll miss her because she’s fun, awesome, and I like playing games with her.”
Melissa Russell, Tyrone Area Elementary and Middle School Principal, said, “My four children attended Tyrone Elementary, so I first knew her as a parent, and now as an administrator. I have always admired her passion for reading. She is always willing to go above and beyond as a teacher to ensure that the elementary library is a place children feel welcome and learn to love reading”
“Her greatest contribution is that she provided children with many opportunities to learn from books and encouraged children to love to read. She has provided summer reading clubs for children and provides a wealth of resources and information for all teachers. Her talents will be greatly missed by both students and staff,” Russell said.
Mary Lewis, TAES assistant librarian, who began working with Rudakewich in 2009, says that she “applauds her many accomplishments and wishes her the very best as she enters into retirement. I am hopeful we will see her throughout the community continuing to share her wealth of knowledge. I believe she deserves to sit back and enjoy her free time.”
“She creates curiosity in young people’s minds and teaches them where to go to find the answers. She breathes life into the stories she shares each week and peppers the lesson with real life relevancy,” Lewis said.
Kenneth Grady, Tyrone Area High School librarian, who has known Rudakewich since he first came to Tyrone in the fall of 1998, says that he hopes “Ms. Rudakewich enjoys her well-earned retirement. Her talents and contributions to the students and staff of the elementary school will be missed next year.”
“I think Ms. Rudakewich instilled the love of reading and good story telling in several generations of Tyrone elementary students. She has been very kind and generous with her knowledge and time,” Grady said.
Rudakewich decided to be a librarian because she had a really great teacher and she loved the way he taught. She read more than anyone else, and when she needed a book to read, her teacher would find her a good book to read.
Rudakewich also decided to become a librarian because she was a volunteer at the public library and it was the perfect job. She likes it because she has more freedom, she could focus on one thing all day, and it suites her personality.
Now that she is retiring, Ms. Rudakewich wants to work on her bucket list, which includes: riding a motorcycle, using a kayak, taking art lessons, doing yoga, traveling the back roads of Blair, Bedford, and Centre Counties, and traveling the world. She says that with all of the free time and all of the activities to do, she has no excuse to be bored.
Rudakewich says that education is different now from when she was a kid in many ways. Back when a teacher was out, the students would just read or do problems. Now, the whole day is scheduled out for the substitute. Other differences include being required to stand when called on, boys weren’t allowed to wear jeans, and there was no library until junior high school.
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