Sheridan Community Schools congratulates outstanding retirees

Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools

At Monday’s board meeting, six Sheridan Community Schools (SCS) retirees were commended for their hard work and dedication to the Sheridan Community. The following retirees were recognized:

Karen Christian

Karen Christian started Small Blessings Preschool in 1998 from her home. This continued a long-standing tradition of Sheridan having its own community preschool. In 2014, SCS and Small Blessings formed a tremendous partnership and brought her program into Sheridan Elementary.

For the last 11 years, Christian ran Small Blessings under the SCS umbrella. She has even taught preschool for 27 years. Countless families have started their educational journey with her, and she has left quite the legacy.

Dianne Gentry

Dianne Gentry began her career with SCS in 2003 as a volleyball coach. Two years later, she started teaching.

Over the years, she has served primarily at Sheridan Middle School as a Reading/Language Arts and Physical Education teacher. With a total of 34 years in education, she has made a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues through her dedication and service.

When asked what her favorite thing was about being a Blackhawk she answered, “The long-lasting friendships made with the students, staff and community members.”

Gretchen Rafferty

Gretchen Rafferty has been with SCS for 19 years, with 22 ½ years total in public schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a degree in Choral-General Music K-12 from Ball State University.

Following her graduation, she taught for three years at Shenandoah High School and Knightstown Middle/High School. She then spent eight years as a professional musician before spending another eight years in corporate sales.

Before she arrived at SCS, she had been a stay-at-home mother for six years. At Sheridan, she taught K-8 General Music and choir for grades 4-12 and co-directed numerous musical productions. Over the years, she has taken countless students to the Indiana State Solo & Ensemble contest.

Rafferty was also named the SCS Teacher of the Year in 2018.

Lisa Samuels

Samuels started in 1998 as a teacher’s assistant and in 1999 moved into the Elementary Media Center. She worked there until the 2006-07 school year, when she moved into the SMS Secretary position. In 2015, she moved into the bookstore and worked as the ECA Treasurer and Special Education Secretary.

In June 2017, Samuels moved on to the newly created role as leader of the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program. She has made SYAP an instrumental part of the Sheridan community as she has positively impacted and assisted thousands of students and families. She has left an incredible lasting impact on the entire community.

Charlie McCreery

Charlie McCreery started in May 2018 as a full-time member of the SCS grounds crew. He was always willing to learn something new, especially lining the football field and preparing for games. Whether it was 3 a.m. salting of sidewalks or emptying trash after a football game, he has always had a smile on his face and was just a phone call away.

McCreery says he plans on spending time with his family and enjoying the continued success of the Blackhawks.

Rob Holman

Rob Holman came on board at Sheridan High School in January 2023 after retiring from Carmel, where he had a long and successful career. He originally planned to only work one semester teaching business courses at SHS, but that quickly turned into several more semesters as he greatly enjoyed all SHS had to offer.

Several of the graduating seniors have noted Holman was one of the teachers who really made a positive impact in their education.

As Holman retires (again), he is excited to spend more time with family and working on his golf game.

SHS has been blessed to have Holman as a member of the teaching faculty for the past two-and-a-half years.