The Tippecanoe Valley Board of School Trustees honored retiring Mentone Elementary School Secretary Vicki Swihart for her 35 1/2 years of dedicated service during the “Spotlight on the Valley” portion of its Dec. 9 meeting.

Swihart started her career at Mentone as a recess and study hall assistant. She began working in the office her second year as an office assistant. Soon thereafter her title was changed to secretary. Swihart has been secretary to nine Mentone principals during her time at the school.

When asked what aspects of her career have been most rewarding, Swihart said she values the relationships she has built over the years noting, “Serving the families and staff of Mentone Elementary School has been very rewarding.”

She was also the originator of several programs at Mentone, including the Christmas Mitten Tree, the Veteran’s Day Program, the Bulldog Bulletin, and the Mentone Yearbook.

Her plans for retirement include spending time with her husband and family. She will spend the warm months in her beautiful flowerbeds. She is also looking forward to mornings with no alarm clocks.

A final thought was shared by Swihart: “Always value the individuals that come into your life. Make sure that they are your first priority. Tasks and the jobs are secondary to those you serve. I am so thankful God has given me these years to serve the lives that have crossed my path. My prayers will always be with Mentone Elementary School.”