Mrs. Binus to retire in 2012

By Mary Hall

As the 2011-2012 school year draws to a close, students not only prepare to say “good bye” to the school year and friends but also to retiree Mrs. Paula Binus, culinary arts teacher, and the Eagle Inn.

Binus’ career in food service was inspired by her mom. At age four, Binus lost her father, so her mother became her “rock”, and her role model. Binus’ mother sold food from home and catered events professionally.

After graduating from Penn State and studying at College of St. Bede & St. Hilde in Durham, England, Binus started her thirty-five teaching career at TAHS.

“From 1977–1988 I taught Home Economics,” Binus said. “When Bob Westley got sick, Janette Kelly moved into the Vocational Director position. Instead of hiring a teacher for her, [the district] asked me to move to Culinary Arts, which was one of the best opportunities of my life– it has been great!”

In addition to teaching, Binus advised the TAHS Prom Committee for 22 years.

“I think that Mrs. Binus has always been open to new ideas and allows the students a great amount of ownership in the [prom] planning process,” offered Mrs. Estep, Curricular director and former prom committee member. “She and Mrs. Marasco have been instrumental in bringing about fresh ideas, new locations, and great memories for students!”

Marasco, math teacher, has co-advised Prom Committee with Binus for 21 years.

“Mrs. Binus has made enormous and vital contributions to the Tyrone Area School District and the Tyrone community through her work with the students and the food service program,” Marasco shared. “She has positively influenced many students who have passed through the school. She will be greatly missed by students and faculty.”

Binus will miss teaching her students. “I always have high hopes for all of them,” she said.

“Thanks to Mrs. Binus, when I come to a situation where I need to cook, I can!” Tessa Corle, junior Culinary Arts student, said. “Because of her emphasis on cleanliness, I take sanitation very seriously.”

Corle went on to say that “I’m going to miss her next year. Her class is the one I look forward to each day.”

Binus feels she is “prepared” for her retirement and proudly stated, “I love what I’ve done here, but I am ready to move on.” What she will miss most is “the opportunity to teach kids and work with peers,” but she is glad to go for the fact she will not miss the bell at all.

During retirement, Binus has plans to continue catering and do lots of traveling.

In August, Binus will travel to Key West. Then on the first day of the next school year, she will visit Virginia Beach. Next, Binus plans to go on a fourteen-day cruise through the Mediterranean visiting Egypt, Israel, Italy, and Turkey. In February 2013, Binus will travel to the Caribbean, and in July 2013, she will travel to Alaska.

If Binus was to give advice to another teacher, she would probably say “get a comfortable pair of shoes, have a big heart and an open mind always.”

Binus feels accomplished as an educator. She not only taught her students, but she learned from them, and feels that this is a vital part of any teaching career.