FORTY YEARS OF SERVICE — Ellen Swickard taught in the Edison Local School District for four decades. She finally made a choice to step away from the profession she loves on May 31, retiring from her role as an instructor of chemistry and other sciences. Her intentions are to take every day one day at a time and enjoy retirement. -- Contributed

RICHMOND — Ellen Swickard found the formula for her success by teaching chemistry, physics and other sciences for four decades at Edison High School. And on May 31, she said god-bye to that district she loves.

Swickard has come full circle … from her days studying as a student to returning and teaching hundreds of other students in schools throughout the district.

The Pleasant Hill resident graduated as valedictorian from Jefferson Union High School in 1980. She attended Mount Vernon Nazarene College with the intent of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a nurse. However, her interest eventually shifted into education.

“The program at Mount Vernon was only for two years,” she explained. “I would have to transfer to do my clinicals, so I chose not to do it. I love science and math. During my freshman year, I received a chemistry award and it solidified that I’d major in chemistry. By the end of my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to teach it.”

She remained at the top of the class, graduating as salutatorian in 1984 and earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Swickard began teaching at Springfield High School in the fall of that year and went on to gain her master’s degree in secondary education in 1990. She graduated summa cum laude from what was now Vernon Nazarene University.

“I started at Springfield High School for four years and then continued at Edison South. I came to this school in 1988,” she said of Edison High School. “I taught chemistry, physics, eighth-grade Earth science, ninth-grade physics and upper-level Earth science.”

She had an offer to teach elsewhere. And yet, she chose to remain at Edison. Here, she was afforded the opportunity to live at home, where she still resides. Swickard estimates she has taught roughly 4,000 pupils during her tenure. She has watched many venture on into professional careers. From pharmacists and nurses to researchers and college professors.

“The one thing I have not had is someone becoming a chemistry teacher,” she pointed out. “One of the phrases I’ve told my students is ‘Everything comes back to chemistry.’ It explains nature and health and it can all be traced back to protons, neutrons and electrons.”

Her classroom includes an adjoining lab filled with books, beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, Florence flasks, funnels and more. But it has also become her second home. She attempted to retire in 2015, but that would only last a day. She returned as a retire/rehire. This time, however, she plans to step away permanently.

“I will take it one day at a time and get caught up on things I’ve pushed aside,” she commented. That includes spending moments with her family and traveling.

“This has been my home, and I’ve probably spent more time here in this building than I have at home making sure the kids are ready,” she reflected.

Swickard served as the featured speaker during the school’s 2024 Honors Breakfast May 24, sharing pearls of wisdom about making good choices in life. She brought tears to some and a standing ovation at the end, leaving an indelible mark on the people around her. She noted while she is grateful for the people she has worked with and the students she has taught throughout the years, the ultimate litmus test is seeing how former pupils succeed after high school.

“It’s always wonderful to see the graduates succeed in their chosen fields,” she stated. “That’s always a plus. My evaluation is how they are doing in college. I tell them to always do your best.”