Praise was plentiful at Principal Gary Wilkers retirement party but regret and sadness were also much in evidence as students, teachers and staff wished the much-loved educator the very best.

"What I remember most was his generous and supportive demeanor. When Principal Wilkers was with children, there was no one more important to him in the entire world," emphasized Teri Domanski, who worked closely with Wilkers.

"Although he never let the students get away with anything they shouldn't, and although his expectations for the students was very, very high, the fact that he loved them so much shone through every situation. He worked well with parents and he was admired and loved by the students."

At his retirement party during the May 2nd retirement party to honor him, Middleburg Elementary students presented Mr. Wilkers with a picture of The Middleburg Hunt, one of he very favorite things.

"They will be very sad for a while," Teri explained.

"He's been a truly exceptional principal.

Wilkers came to Middleburg Elementary in the 1998-'99 school year from Cool Spring Elementary where he was assistant principal. He completed 29 years of service in Middleburg where he had his first assignment as principal.

Principal Wilkers first secretary at Middleburg Elementary was Betty Jo Martin, and when she moved to another position, her sister Tracie Dillon moved into the assignment and worked with him until he retired.

"He was all about the kids, he had enormous respect for them and he enjoyed a truly exceptional rapport with them," Tracie said. "He was a phenomenal teacher and administrator."

Principal Wilkers dedication will be remembered by many students in many ways, but one notable endeavor he was devoted to was his 'Junior Great Books" program in which students were invited to meet in his office to discuss a reading assignment.

"The children would sit on the floor with him, and he would always provide a treat to enjoy while they discussed the book they were reading. The children loved it, and each one improved significantly because of his special care and attention."

"This school was so much of his life. He wanted every child to do better, and he spent every second of his day and every bit of his energy helping make that happen," Tracie concluded.