The Willow Lane Elementary School principal has retired.

Dr. Anthony Moyer is retired after 33 years of service in the East Penn School District.

His last day was July 8.

Moyer said “working at EPSD has been a blessing.

“I’ve always believed that good teaching is both an art and a science. I believe that hands-on and experiential learning is essential. Students should enjoy their learning experience.”

Moyer is also a Penn State Extension Master Gardener for about 10 years.

“Gardening and outdoor education has been a passion of mine.”

Moyer was surprised by a tree planted in his honor on the school campus.

The black gum tree is indigenous to the area and has environmental benefits.

Becky Short, a Penn State Extension Master Gardener, became active with Willow Lane Elementary School because her granddaughters attend the school.

Short organized the tree planting to honor Moyer with the help of Brian Duvall of Bartlett Tree Experts and Mike Kline of Fernrock Landscapes Inc. Duvall and Kline also volunteered to talk to students.

Short said other Master Gardeners who assisted included Beth Brooks, Susan Long, Giane Barton, Nancy Ward and Jane Suhocki.

Aditional gardeners included Phyllis Whitnet, Carol Miller and Fred Zahradnik.

Several parents of Willow Lane students also helped, including Jan Tllinghast, Cosmo Valavanis and Erica Greer.