Celebrating with her students

It was a gathering of young and old. There were tears of sadness and wishes of good luck. Punch and cookies were laid out and everyone was dancing to the Beach Boys. The party was hopping, and it was all put together to celebrate the retirement of Killybrooke Elementary School teacher Kay Lacy.

“I’ve known I was going to plan this party for the last couple of years,” Lacy said. “I’m not going quietly. I want to go out with a big bang.”

Lacy has been teaching kindergarten at Killybrooke Elementary for the last seven years, and she has been with the Newport-Mesa School District for 33 years.

She invited all the students she has taught at Killybrooke, which would include kindergarteners up to sixth-graders, to the event. The playground was filled with children, and Lacy was not lacking in farewell hugs and presents.

She wanted the party to say goodbye to the children.

“I wanted a party for the kids,” Lacy said. “I love the children and I love teaching them.”

Lacy said most teachers just have staff parties when they retire, but she wanted to do something with her students as well.

She went through the class lists at the school and sent out invitations to all her former and current students. Her daughter crafted the invitations, and about 120 were sent out to children at Killybrooke Elementary.

Lacy’s room mom, Diane Beazley, helped in the party preparations. Beazley said Lacy, who teaches her daughter Sophie, 6, has been a role model for both of them.

“My daughter and I have learned so much from her,” Beazley said. “Today, everyone looks to her for inspiration.”

Lacy has had a special effect on the children because, in addition to offering all the modern teaching tools, she also plays the children records from a vintage player, has wooden toys for them to play with and sets out a number of other classic pieces for their enjoyment.

It was a concern that all these items would be retired with Lacy when she leaves, but Lacy said they will stay with Killybrooke.

“It will all stay for my team,” Lacy said. “It will be here next year for my team and for those after me.”

Lacy’s colleague, Lainie Villa, a kindergarten teacher at Killybrooke, said she will miss working with Lacy.

“She’s fabulous,” Villa said. “She gives her time, her energy, and she would even give the shirt off her back if she could. She’s been an ideal working partner.”

Lacy won’t be going too far, though; she plans to stay active at Killybrooke through her retirement.

“I’m going to volunteer at Killybrooke,” Lacy said. “I want to help out my team. I plan to come about once a week.”

She said she also plans to visit family and carry out her passion for travel aboard cruise ships.

Lacy’s last day teaching at Killybrooke Elementary will be Friday. dpt.17-lacy-1-CPhotoInfoM81S33T920060617j0z7xbncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Teacher Kay Lacy greets one of many students at her retirement party. dpt.17-lacy-2-CPhotoInfoM81S367620060617j0z7xjncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Kay Lacy dances with students during her retirement celebration party at Killybrooke Elementary School. Lacy has been employed in the Newport-Mesa school district for 33 years.