FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – After more than five decades of shaping young minds, Charlotte Parks, affectionately known as “Mrs. Parks,” officially retired from teaching at East Allen County Schools. On Wednesday, Southwick Elementary School celebrated her extraordinary career with a heartfelt retirement party.
A Legacy of Dedication
For over 50 years, Parks taught English to countless students, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Her passion for teaching remained undiminished throughout her career, as she reflected during the event.
“I guess if you’re having a good time you’re not really counting. I never counted,” Parks said.
Her colleagues and students expressed their deep appreciation, with staff and students showering Parks with love and gratitude.
“They just bear their soul and their words on their arms, and they tell it how it is, and that was as real as it gets,” Parks said, describing the emotions during the celebration.
A Teacher Twice Over
This marks Parks’ second retirement. She initially stepped away from teaching but found herself longing for the classroom.
“Once you stay home, you mow the yard on Saturday, you go to church on Sunday, and pretty much in between all that, you cook and clean. That’s not me…teaching was the one thing that fed my soul,” she explained.
From Forensics to the Classroom
Interestingly, teaching wasn’t Parks’ first career choice.
“I initially wanted to be a forensic pathologist. I wanted to know why people passed away and be that kind of doctor,” Parks shared.
However, her father had other plans for her.
“My dad said, ‘That’s all fine, well, and good, but right now you’re gonna be a teacher.’”
It turned out to be her true calling.
“I became a teacher, and I haven’t got one single regret. This was my calling, I just didn’t know it at the time,” she said.
Continuing to Make a Difference
Even in retirement, Parks isn’t stepping away entirely from her passion for education. She has signed up to volunteer at Southwick Elementary, ensuring her legacy of inspiring young learners will continue.
