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Keosauqua, Ia. — For 41 years, the sounds of piano keys and guitar strings echoed through the halls of the Van Buren County Community Schools.
One teacher has been behind all the tunes played during those years.
Mrs. Julie Garrels has been teaching K-6 since 1984 and is a descendant of a long line of musicians.
“I had a long line of teachers in my family clear all the way back to my great-grandparents.” Mrs. Garrels said about her family history in teaching. “My parents were also teachers, including my aunts and uncles, and it just seemed natural for me…I really liked the music part of it so that is how i ended up a music teacher.”
She has seen many students walk through her door and many walk out, and many principals come and go during her time here.
The current principal of Van Buren Elementary School said that her reputation preceded her, and that she has even had her own kids be taught by her.
“I have been involved with the district for years, even though I have only been the principal here for nine years.” said Mary Dawn Schuck, the current principal for Van Buren County Elementary School. ” My own children have had Julie as a teacher and we’ve always enjoyed those fine arts days. In my work as curriculum director I worked with her for years even before I became her principal…her reputation preceded her and she has been an institution her at Van Buren County Community Schools.”
During her tenure, she taught students aspects of music theory, and fun ways to express themselves through music of all genres.
She regards this as the best part of her job and the reason she carried on for so long.
“It is fun being able to teach music to students, expose them to different genres of music, play different instruments, and to even play games with music.” Said Mrs. Garrels. “It has been a lot of fun to seem them enjoy that.”
Unfortunately, after this semester is over, the music from her will stop in the classroom.
After 41 years in the classroom, she has finally decided to retire and move the music to her house.
“I am going to rest.” Mrs. Garrels simply put. “I am going to sit in my recliner and watch the birds for a while. I will still continue to play music, but I will now enjoy my time with my family, and do some camping and gardening…just some things that I have not been able to put time into.”
The legacy she leaves behind will be enormous.
Those who have been taught by her will remember her name and her coworkers will remember her actions.
“It will be sad to see her go.” Principal Schuck said about Mrs. Garrels retirement. “She has been here for 41 years serving the district, so it will be sad day for us to see her leave, but we are excided for the opportunities that she has to relax and enjoy her kids and hopefully future grandkids in the years to come…We wish her well and hope she enjoys her retirement and we will miss her at Van Buren County.”
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