A Warm Zenda Farewell Given to Lorene DeVries and Mr. Melvin Ormiston

     Retirement Reception It was an honor for the Zenda Charter School staff to host a farewell and gratitude reception for Lorene DeVries and Mr. Melvin Ormiston, May 2nd, 2008.  A crowd of well-wishers attended the retirement reception to honor long time favorites, Lorene DeVries, teacher, and Mr. Ormiston, past and present principal.  Decorations of beautiful bedding plants in colorful painted pots adorned the tables and shelves. Delicious cake and beverages were served. Following the celebration the Zenda staff and spouses enjoyed a meal at the Zenda Lumber Yard Restaurant.

     Lorene DeVries was pleasantly surprised when Mr. Ormiston presented her with a West Kingman County Education plaque for 31 years of teaching and a lifetime USD 332 activity pass.  Lorene has been a library aide, a Title I Reading and Math teacher and 4th grade teacher.  She has also taught combined classrooms of 3rd & 4th grades and 1st & 2nd grades. She began her teaching career in Littleton, Colorado, relocated into Nashville, and finally to Zenda. Lorene received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Colorado.  She was nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2003.  Serving on numerous education committees and being Head Teacher has kept her busy over the past years. Mrs. DeVries stated, "The Zenda Charter School renewed my enthusiasm for teaching.  I learned so many new things about reading and math.  I kept thinking ‘Why didn't I know these strategies twenty  years ago?’  It's been such fun working as a team with my fellow teachers and concentrating together to help children."

     Lorene and Wayne DeVries reside in Nashville and have two sons and a daughter.  David, Mark and Sarah are alumni of Cunningham High School.  They also have ten grandchildren whom Lorene plans to spend more time with.

     The Zenda Staff was also pleased to honor Melvin Ormiston, our past and present principal.  He spent endless hours working to obtain the grant to implement our charter.  It has truly been an exciting adventure in education, and we sincerely thank him for his faith in us.  He began his career in Garden City at St. Mary’s School in 1973 and eventually ended in USD 332 in 1981.  He has been on numerous boards and committees. He, also, grew up in Colorado.  Receiving his degree from Adams State College in Colorado in 1968, he later went to Wichita State University for his masters and Education Specialist Degree.

       Melvin and Mary Lynn have six children, Dusty, Rusty, Misty, Sandy, Randy and Marty.  They are all graduates from Cunningham High. They have five grandchildren.  They will be moving to Goddard.

     The Zenda Charter School Staff and community wish Lorene DeVries and Mr. Ormiston a happy retirement, and we will miss them greatly.  You both are an inspiration to education!