Sherry Altmiller Retires After 30 years
Sherry Altmiller’s retirement party was held Sat. July 17 at the Fort Belknap Conference Center in Olney.
“It was such an honor to have so many friends plan this “surprise” retirement party. I felt so loved surrounded by family, friends, and former students, three of who were in my very first 1991 class,” Altmiller said.
Altmiller’s retirement comes after serving 30 years as a teacher. “In 1991, Mondie Bullock resigned as the preschool teacher at Our Beginning School—a parent/teacher co-op that offered classes two days a week. It was a perfect fit for me – so perfect that I stayed for thirty years” Altmiller said.Prior to working at Our Beginning School, Altmiller worked for 10 years at Thornton, Thornton & Price, Attorneys-at-Law. She resigned from that position to be a stay-at-home mom.
Altmiller is a true Olney-ite having been born in Olney to Wade and Edwana Fikes. She was raised with one sister, Judy (Fikes) McKamie, and two brothers, Steve and Larry Fikes. After graduating from Olney High School (OHS) in 1972, she attended West Texas State University (now WTAMU) in Canyon Texas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1975 and secured a job as secretary for the Business Administration Department’s chairman while working as a graduate assistant in the Education Department.
Later, Altmiller married Desley Altmiller, son of Russell and Evelyn Altmiller of Olney. Desley accepted a coaching/teaching position at OISD, and the couple moved back to Olney in 1978.
Altmiller attributes her inspiration for teaching to other teachers she observed while growing up.
“I had many wonderful teachers attending school at OISD who inspired me as well as a very special aunt who taught in an elementary school in Odessa. At a young age, I got to spend some time observing her in her classroom and decided I wanted to be just like her. She had a love not only for teaching but for each one of her students and you could tell that they loved her as well.”
Altmiller shared the most rewarding thing about being a teacher. “Watching each student as they learn and achieve and not just while they are in your class, but throughout their lives. Any child that was my student became on of ‘my kids’ forever and always.”
Altmiller acknowledges everyone who made her retirement special.
“I would like to thank those who attended in person as well as those who sent texts, videos, cards, or well wishes when I met them in passing. Thank you to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for allowing Our Beginning School to meet there for so many years. And last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you to my husband for the beautiful poem he wrote and shared with everyone at the party,” Altmiller said.
Regarding Altmiller’s chosen path, she said, “If I could change anything I did as a teacher throughout the past 30 years, it would be starting to teach sooner. God blessed me with something I truly loved to do.”
Sharing what is next, Altmiller said, “I will continue to do volunteer work in this community I love through organizations I’m excited to be part of. But the best part of retirement will be getting to spend more time with family, especially my beautiful grandchildren Hayden, Kailyn, Barrett and Baby No. 4 due in December.”
In closing, Altmiller offers advice for those with aspirations to teach.
“Be willing to seek advice from experienced teachers if you need help. Never be afraid to NOT know it all. You will be surprised how much you can learn from your students, even if they are only four years old. It’s so much fun and even enlightening to explore learning through their eyes while being a facilitator of experiences. And care, CARE a lot about your students and it will help you develop patience, kindness, understanding and empathy”