BAKERSFIELD, CA - A 96-year-old woman had one of her dreams come true Wednesday. Nearly 30 years after retiring from teaching, Glenwood Gardens helped one of their residents get back into the classroom.
The students of Mrs. Katavich's transitional kindergarten class had a very special guest. Phyllis Hughes has been dreaming about getting back in front of students just one more time and that dream came true.
"I loved every minute of my teaching," Hughes said. "That's why I had that secret wish, you know. Then somebody found out about it and here I am!"
Mrs. Hughes began teaching in her fifties and taught third grade for 20 years before retiring in 1984. But 30 years later, her love for teaching hasn't gone away. Even in her age, she made a lasting impression on the students.
Transitional kindergartner Dylan Engle was surprised to learn Mrs. Hughes was 96 years old, 20 years older than her grandmother. "Whoa, that's cool!" Dylan said. "I would love to have her [as my teacher]."
Phyllis had the joy of reading to the students, and as part of their lesson plan, helped them pick out a balanced meal.
"I might have you come over to my house and put one together," Hughes said. "Would you like that?" The children responded with a collective "yes!"
It was a special day for Phyllis, but it was also rewarding for the teachers who understand her passion. Teacher Tina Katavich, said, "it brought tears to my eyes. Just to see how cute and sweet she is and that we were a part of providing her with a last wish."
Phyllis left with a drawing by one of the students, but it's the memory of the day that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
"I'm so happy to be with you today," Hughes told the class. "You don't know how much I'll treasure it forever."
The students took pictures with Phyllis to hang in their room to remember the day. Glenwood Gardens says they aim to grant a few resident wishes every quarter.
The students of Mrs. Katavich's transitional kindergarten class had a very special guest. Phyllis Hughes has been dreaming about getting back in front of students just one more time and that dream came true.
"I loved every minute of my teaching," Hughes said. "That's why I had that secret wish, you know. Then somebody found out about it and here I am!"
Mrs. Hughes began teaching in her fifties and taught third grade for 20 years before retiring in 1984. But 30 years later, her love for teaching hasn't gone away. Even in her age, she made a lasting impression on the students.
Transitional kindergartner Dylan Engle was surprised to learn Mrs. Hughes was 96 years old, 20 years older than her grandmother. "Whoa, that's cool!" Dylan said. "I would love to have her [as my teacher]."
Phyllis had the joy of reading to the students, and as part of their lesson plan, helped them pick out a balanced meal.
"I might have you come over to my house and put one together," Hughes said. "Would you like that?" The children responded with a collective "yes!"
It was a special day for Phyllis, but it was also rewarding for the teachers who understand her passion. Teacher Tina Katavich, said, "it brought tears to my eyes. Just to see how cute and sweet she is and that we were a part of providing her with a last wish."
Phyllis left with a drawing by one of the students, but it's the memory of the day that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
"I'm so happy to be with you today," Hughes told the class. "You don't know how much I'll treasure it forever."
The students took pictures with Phyllis to hang in their room to remember the day. Glenwood Gardens says they aim to grant a few resident wishes every quarter.