Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 13, 1994 TAG: 9406140368
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Occupation: Sixth-grade science and social studies teacher, Auburn High and Middle School
Age: 65
Family: Husband, Gerald, deceased; three sons and a daughter
Worst grade ever made on a test: "I can't remember; it's been too long."
Favorite teacher: "Bessie Bussey - I'm not kidding - my seventh-grade teacher. She really required us to learn."
From Guam to Japan, New Finland to California, Kitty Brennan has seen it all. But there must be something special about Riner, because Brennan, after teaching and traveling all over the world, came back to teach in her hometown.
Now, after 31 years as a teacher and 22 years of teaching just about every subject at Auburn High and Middle School, Brennan is retiring.
"It's time," she said, laughing. "I joke with people that I'm losing my mental powers. It's just time."
The school will not be the same without Brennan, said Robert Miller, Auburn High's principal.
"Kitty is the quintessential renaissance person," he said. "Whether she's on a wildflower jaunt searching for a pink lady slipper or dancing in one, she's a joy to have around."
Brennan has become something of a legend among her former students, who often come by to visit her at the school. She started the science and ecology clubs, the academic fair, the pep club and the great AUK team (a national computer competition team) to name a few.
Brennan said she was most honored when she was asked to be the speaker at the school's Baccalaureate Service and also when the yearbook was dedicated to her one year. But her honors don't stop there. She has been chosen science teacher of the year and has shaken hands with the governor for an environmental excellence award.
Perhaps most important though, is that Brennan is a friend to her students.
"She loves people, and has balanced that with constructive caring," Miller said. "She can show you she cares, yet still teach and make you feel good. She has unlimited energy and it shows."
Brennan says she'll miss the children, the classes, the clubs and the busy days, but she is eager to get out her traveling shoes once again.
She heads for the Galapagos Islands on June 28. Following that comes a trip to Alaska, but Riner, she said, will always be her home.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***