Sheridan Community Schools (SCS) is saying goodbye to three respected members of the school community as they move into retirement. Violet Chesney, Molly Heil, and Debbie Merriman have each made significant contributions to the district through their dedication and hard work.
Violet Chesney
Dedicated elementary teacher
Violet Chesney has been an elementary teacher at Sheridan Elementary for 16 years, after beginning her career in Frankfort, Ind. Over her career, she has taught kindergarten, first, second, and fifth grades.
Sheridan Elementary Principal Valerie Roberts praised Chesney.
“Violet is a dynamic teacher who has always been passionate about making a difference with her students,” Roberts said. “Her strong leadership in the second-grade team will be missed! We wish her all the best as she enjoys family time, traveling, and wherever life takes her next!”
Chesney expressed her love for teaching in her hometown and the close-knit community.
“I will miss my students’ smiles, hugs, and love for learning,” she said. “After retirement, I plan to love on my grandson, enjoy my family, and travel.”
Molly Heil
Longtime middle school special educator
Molly Heil has spent 19 years teaching special education at Sheridan Middle School. Her career began in Palo Alto, Calif., at The Children’s Health Council school, now known as Esther B. Clark Schools.
Heil says she values the connections she formed with her colleagues and students.
“I will miss my teaching friendships the most,” she said. “I’ve always been so lucky to have amazing coworkers that are there for you in all aspects of life.
Heil’s future plans include possibly moving closer to family in south Florida or western New York.
“Over her 19 years of dedicated service at SMS, Molly Heil has made a profound impact on both her students and colleagues,” SMS Principal Kent Davis said. “We deeply appreciate her unwavering commitment and caring contributions to her students. She will be missed immensely, but we wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Reflecting on her time in Sheridan, Heil noted, “When I was called and asked to interview at Sheridan, I honestly didn’t know where Sheridan was. Sheridan turned out to be exactly that one thing I didn’t know I needed at the time.”
Debbie Merriman
Dedicated bus driver
Debbie Merriman has been a bus driver for Sheridan since 1990. One of her favorite memories is driving the Girls Varsity Basketball team to Regionals this year.
Transportation Director Eric Gifford spoke highly of Merriman.
“Debbie is always willing to help out however needed,” Gifford said. “I will miss having her around on a daily basis to joke around with and give a hard time. She has seen lots of changes in the bus driving industry over the years, and I’m glad she is finally able to retire and spend time with her family.”
Merriman said she will miss the kids and her coworkers the most but looks forward to having more free time in her retirement.
Superintendent Dave Mundy expressed his gratitude for the contributions of Chesney, Hiel, and Merriman.
“Their dedication has helped create the supportive environment that Sheridan Community Schools is known for,” Mundy said. “Their commitment and passion have greatly influenced our school community. We wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirements.”