Whitehall-Coplay School Board recognized Superintendent John Corby at its meeting Monday night.

The meeting was the last to be attended by Corby, who is retiring. The board honored him with a cake.

Vice President Robert Kolb spoke about his years working as a teacher under Corby and then working with him on the board.

“I can tell you, [Corby] has both the kids’ and the employees’ best interest in mind with every decision he makes,” Kolb said. “He has extraordinary character.

“It was a nice experience to work with you,” he said to Corby.

Board member Arthur Taschler Jr. said, “Almost 12 years ago, I remember sitting at a meeting and I remember disagreeing with voting for you as superintendent.

“I thought we’d made a mistake,” he said, “but it’s the best mistake I’ve ever made.”

Eileen Abruzzi continued the plaudits: “I felt strong on the first moment we started interviewing that [Corby] was going to be the leader we needed - and he was.

“When I was president, I talked to you more than my family,” she said to Corby. “You will be greatly missed, my friend.”

Corby thanked the board members for their kind words.

“We’ve had a good run,” he said. “It’s not Jack Corby; it’s we. I had the opportunity to work with a great solicitor and board that doesn’t get the credit they deserve.

“Every single day, you’ve influenced children’s lives,” he said to board members. “We have an incredible staff that takes care of our kids. Our kids shine in athletics and academics.

“I’m going to miss it, the day-to-day relationships with people,” Corby said. “I thank you.”

After the meeting, Corby told The Press he worked in the education field for 35 years, as a teacher and administrator. The last 11-1/2 years were spent at Whitehall.

For his retirement, he said, “I’m just relaxing. I’ve never had the opportunity to sit back; this job is 24/7. That’s what the people and the district are owed, so I’m going to relax.”

Corby said his best moments were the “many times that I was able to make a difference in a student’s life. I can go back and look at those and smile.”