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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (June 22, 2018)
PAGE A8, KEIZERTIMES, JUNE 22, 2018 KeizerCommunity KEIZERTIMES.COM McNary teacher retiring after 30 years By DEREK WILEY Of the Keizertimes After McNary’s 2018 commencement, Gary Bulen called his two older broth- ers, both retired teachers, and wept. “Before I knew it I was bawling my head off, out of left fi eld, I lost it,” said Bulen, who is retiring after 30 years of teaching. “I didn’t realize it would be that but it sure turned into that.” Growing up in Salem and then going to Western Or- egon University, Bulen didn’t have much of a choice but to go into education. Along with his two brothers, Bulen’s mom and dad also worked for the Salem-Keizer school dis- trict. There had been a Bulen employed with the district since 1955. Gary Bulen did his student teaching at McNary in the spring of 1986. He was then hired on temporarily in ‘87. After a little over a year at McKay, Bulen took a perma- nent position at McNary in ‘91 and never left. “McNary just has some- thing magical about it,” Bu- len said. “Every school ebbs and fl ows and has its ups and downs but really this is the school that historically peo- ple wanted to be at. It’s just KEIZERTIMES/Derek Wiley McNary history and psycholosy teacher Gary Bulen, with pictures of former students in his classroom, is retirins after 30 years in the Salem-Keizer school district. He’s been at McNary full-time since 1991. a really quality school with quality kids.” Bulen spent most of his career in the same classroom after becoming activities di- rector in 1994. “I wanted to be more in- volved in my school and that was one of the best choices I ever made,” Bulen said. “You run dances and prom and you need volunteers. When I was done (in 2002), I knew how hard it was to get them so I’m always at the prom and dances, track meets. There’s also a payback for it. I think they (students) do recognize that you do go to the plays, that you’re around a lot help- ing. You get a lot more back than what you put in.” Bulen taught psychology and history at McNary. Jessica King, a former stu- dent who graduated from McNary four years ago, re- turned to Bulen’s classroom to wish him well in retire- ment. “I had him for history my junior year and then I chose to take psychology my senior year,” King said. “He’s my fa- vorite teacher. He’s fun. He connects with you and wants the best for you.” Carla Bell, a English teach- er at McNary, had Bulen’s current students write letters to him. There was one common theme in most of the notes. Bulen was their favorite teacher. One student wrote, “I’ve had a pretty rough year this year and I haven’t really felt like being at school and being in your class actually made me want to be here.” Another student said, “I genuinely hope the best for you and I hope you know that your enjoyment of teaching is the reason I’m trying to go into it myself.” “I start getting a little emotional. It’s really special,” Bulen said of reading the let- ters. “If you have poor self esteem, try retiring. It’s an incredible ego boost. It’s so nice to hear from kids. It’s the whole reason we’re here.” Bulen is looking forward to the next phase of his life. “I’m just really ready for a change and to do some- thing else, whatever it might be,” Bulen said. “Take a little break and do a little travel- ing. I grew up here and all my friends are here. As a his- tory teacher, I do want to go to Europe. My dad was a World War II vet. I want to see where he was at.” TANDEM ® Luxury Vinyl Plank by TAS Flooring 3 $ 99 * / sq ft Attached Pad. Waterproof, 20 Colors, Micro-Beveled Edges, Low Gloss -Embossed, The 30 years have fl own by. “For years you’re kind of anticipating this and it’s pret- ty surreal that it’s here all of the sudden,” Bulen said. “It’s right in front of you.” We are Everything Except Overpriced Simple Cremation $875 Inexpensive Burial and Funeral Options Pre-Planning Available On-Site Crematory *Material Only, Installation Available. Carpet Cleaning HIDDEN CREEK E S T A T E S Saturday, June 30 1 ST ANNUAL 9:00 am to 2:30 pm • 4930 River Rd N, Keizer 503-371-8188 ValleyFlooringCenter.com CCB #162221 • Any Size 1-Story Home Any Size 2-Story Home $ $ 1 49 ** 2 49 ** **Some restrictions may apply. 4365 RIVER RD N, KEIZER 503.393.7037 Se habla español GARAGE SALE Sales will take place on Hidden Creek Drive, Brookhollow Court, Parkshadow Court, Lazy Creek Drive, Whisper Creek Loop Orthodontics for children, adolescents & adults We love being part of the growing Keizer community 2017 Invisalign ® and Traditional Braces Customized Payment Plans Sam Goesch Ins Agcy Inc FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL 971.600.3836 www.haveasreatsmile.com SCHOOLHOUSE SQUARE 5099 RIVER ROAD N, KEIZER Sam Goesch CLU, Agent 3975 River Road North Keizer, OR 97303 Bus: 503-393-6252 State Farm , Bloomington, IL 1211999
