She had already taught her final class, but after 36 years as an English teacher in the district, Susan Quigg could not retire without giving one last lesson.

"Never finish a sentence with a preposition," Quigg told the school board as she accepted her parting gifts.

Quigg was one of four retiring teachers honored by the Salisbury Township School Board at its June 19 meeting.

"She was the spirit and heart of the school and she went above and beyond to serve the kids and look out for what they needed, what the families needed and what the administrators needed," Salisbury Middle School Principal Robert Cassidy said.

Cassidy said the students who had Quigg became better writers and avid readers because she "never let them off the hook about reading."

"It has just been the most wonderful adventure," Quigg said. "If I tried to plan my life, I could have never planned it better than God did. I had a great run and I just feel so fortunate."

Debbie Roeding, an instructional support teacher at Harry S Truman Elementary, retired after 21 years with the district.

HST Prinicipal Barbara Samide called Roeding the "glue that keeps Truman together."

"I love this district and I love Truman and it's been very emotional," Roeding said. "I'm not leaving because I don't like my job; I love my job. I'm just leaving because I think it's time to leave."

Roeding said she wants to come back and help and has already volunteered to help with the first graders.

"[Teaching] defines me and I just can't imagine closing the door and I will not do that," Roeding said. "This district has provided me with so many opportunities to truly grow professionally and personally."

Richard Marsico and Laurie Ehrlacher also retired, but did not attend the meeting.

Marisco taught English at Salisbury High School.

"Mr. Marsico is as special a contributor as the district has ever had," Board President Russell Giordano said.

Ehrlacher was an instructional assistant at Western Salisbury Elementary School. Superintendent Michael Roth praised her dedication and called instructional assistants the "unsung heroes," of education.

"I consider myself very lucky to have joined Salisbury Township School District and at least being here for a portion of the time that each of them has given to the students," Roth said of the retiring teachers. "It's been a pleasure to know them and a pleasure to see them in action."