JCPS event celebrates teachers' service

Mary Ellen DeSutter, a fifth-grade teacher at Thorpe Gordon, receives her 35-year pin from Jefferson City school board president Alan Mudd at the 2011 Teacher Appreciation Banquet on Thursday at Lewis and Clark Middle School.
Mary Ellen DeSutter, a fifth-grade teacher at Thorpe Gordon, receives her 35-year pin from Jefferson City school board president Alan Mudd at the 2011 Teacher Appreciation Banquet on Thursday at Lewis and Clark Middle School.

Teachers like to have a good time.

Whether they were passing around hugs to long-time coworkers who are headed into retirement or waving their arms in the air playing "Let's Make A Deal," hundreds of educators celebrated at the Jefferson City Public Schools Teacher Appreciation Banquet on Thursday at Lewis and Clark Middle School.

Mary Ellen DeSutter was one of two teachers recognized for 35 years of service to the district. She also was among 31 educators retiring.

"It's just a great job; the teachers there are a great support system," DeSutter said of more than 20 years teaching at Thorpe Gordon Elementary School. "And, I really like the children; they inspire me."