OLHMS is saying “see you later” to four incredible Mustangs! Let’s take a look at their fabulous careers in District 123!
Kathy O’Dwyer, OLHMS Counselor
When did you start working in D123?
I started working at District 123 in June of 1999.
What was your first role in the district?
In June of 1999, I started in the district as a summer school teacher working with early childhood students who were just about to start kindergarten. Beginning in August, I was the PTP Special Education Teacher working with 3rd - 5th grade students at Hometown Elementary School. I stayed at Hometown School until 2004, then went to McGugan Junior High to start the transition to the new middle school scheduled to open in August of 2005. At McGugan and OLHMS, I was a 7th grade special education resource teacher until August of 2011, when I became a school counselor. I found that I really enjoyed working with students in a mental health capacity and helping them with their struggles at school.
What other roles have you had in the district (including your role now)?
As far as other roles in the district, I was a chairperson for the Oak Lawn Red Ribbon Committee (organized two annual Red Ribbon events a year at the Village green); I represented OLHMS at Oak Lawn Community Partnership meetings; coordinated annual Operation Snowball (Snowflake) events bringing local high school students in to talk to our middle school students; ran (pre)teen empowerment clubs; helped coordinate and present anti-drug workshops for the community with Oak Lawn High School.
What is your first memory (or impression) of the district?
My first memory of District 123 was as a Kindergarten student (early 70's) walking up to the "giant" steps at Kolmar School. I was scared to death and holding my friend's hand (who was also just as scared), then seeing our Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Murnane (can't believe I remember her name!) come out of the giant doors with a big smile, putting me and my friend immediately at ease.
What will you miss most about the district?
I will miss the hardworking staff at our school. I have never met such a dedicated group of people giving everything they have, putting student needs over their own, and their ENDLESS patience, time, and devotion.
What are your plans for retirement?
After retirement, I plan on going full time into private practice as an adolescent therapist. I've been doing this part time for the last four years, so now with the increased need in adolescent mental health, it is time to change gears.
Debbie Barry, OLHMS Tech Support
When did you start working in D123?
I started working for D123 in 2003 at McGugan Junior High School.
What was your first role in the district? What other roles have you had in the district (including your role now)?
I have always been in Tech Support!
What is your first memory (or impression) of the district?
My first memory was of how friendly and welcoming everyone was-I think they were so happy to have a full-time Tech Support person in the building!
What will you miss most about the district?
I will surely miss the camaraderie, the fun, and the wonderful, lifelong friends that I have made. I'll also really miss the structure!
What are your plans for retirement?
We just bought a whopper of a new camper and have lots of camping trips planned. We also have booked a few trips to travel to different destinations into next year! This is going to be a huge adjustment - but in a good way! I am also contacting over-55 communities and offering services for setting up iPhones, computers, iPads, and doing tech training to individuals. I'll continue with my beloved gardening for our pollinator friends and crafty stuff, and also baking for parties, showers, etc.
Nanette Smith, OLHMS Certified Nursing Assistant
When did you start working in D123?
I started working for D123 13 years ago!
What was your first role in the district?
I was a one on one CNA aide for a little girl.
What other roles have you had in the district (including your role now)?
I started out at Sward school as an aide for a little girl in kindergarten with severe food allergies. I got into the drama club at Sward school right away and we performed two times a year. We just performed our last play on Wednesday, May 10th. I came to OLHMS with my student in 2014/15 and was fortunate enough to go through all grade levels and meet and work with all the teachers. In 2017 an opening came about in the health office for a CNA. I applied and got the job and the rest is history!
What is your first memory (or impression) of the district?
My first impression of the district came many years ago as all 4 of my boys went through the district. So I have been involved with the district for 36 years. I have always been very happy with D123.
What will you miss most about the district?
For sure the staff. When you come to work everyday and see the same people, they become your family. I love getting up everyday and coming to work to see all of them. You get to share happy and sad times with them. It's a good thing. I will also miss the students. It's funny how down the road you run into a student and they remember you - even though you don't remember them. I hope I have touched some of the students in one way or another.
What are your plans for retirement?
My plans for retirement are simple - to take care of my mom who lives with us. She is 96 and a lovely person to be around. So I'd like to spend as much time with her as possible. My husband has been retired for 3 years and currently takes care of her while I am at work. We both love to camp, so that's what we are going to do. Hopefully I can spend more time with the grandkids. I have 5 and they all love to play cards and just hang out and swim. A simple life is my plan for retirement.
Julie Merkle, OLHMS ELA Teacher
When did you start working in D123 and what was your first role?
In the spring semester of 1988, my student teaching assignment was with third grade teacher Elaine Muchna and Special Education Teacher Peggy Harlovic at Hometown. After completing my student teaching I was hired the following fall to take maternity leave as a self contained special education teacher. The following year I was transferred to Hannum school under the direction of Mr. Bopp and began teaching third grade.
What other roles have you had in the district (including your role now)?
My first role in the district was a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Hometown Elementary. The following fall I began my 20 year tenure at Hannum Elementary teaching 3rd-5th grade. After receiving my Masters in Reading from Governor’s State, I became a Reading Specialist at Hannum. In 2008, I was relocated to OLHMS by Superintendent McCord and continued the role of a reading interventionist. During the pandemic, my role became an ELA teacher.
In addition to educating many young minds, I was known as Coach Merkle to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade volleyball players here at the OLHMS. This year I finish my twenty-third and final year.
What is your first memory (or impression) of the district?
My first memory of D123 takes me all the way back to my Hometown Days in 1988. The staff was so warming and helpful, especially the 1st grade teacher Ms. Caroline Hillebrand. How she would wrap her sweet angelic voice around those little ones!!!!! Dr. Hayes was my first of many principals. I recall him being an extremely kind and fair person.
What will you miss most about the district?
Students, Students, Students!!!
What are your plans for retirement?
My retirement plans are open for interpretation if you’d ask my husband. This fall my plan is to keep myself busy by subbing in the district and refereeing boy’s volleyball. The winter months we will become snowbirds in Florida searching for our forever home.
We would like to thank Mrs. O’Dwyer, Mrs. Barry, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Merkle for their combined 92 years of service to the students and families of District 123 and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives! #OnceAMustangAlwaysAMustang
