Principal Diana Smith, York’s fearless leader for twelve years, has a lot to be proud of: a school with a high academic ranking, successful athletic teams, and a dynamic theater program. But when asked about her time here at York, Smith didn’t emphasize those achievements; she talked about the people.

“I will miss the people here — students, faculty, and staff,” Smith said. “The connections you make when you work in a school are irreplaceable.”

Starting her career at Sandburg Middle School, Smith was a social studies teacher for three years before transitioning to York in 1999. She worked at York for seventeen years, first as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, before taking on the lead role.  

Smith mentioned that helping students to find their niche, working with York’s Advisory Team, and being a critical part of the teacher hiring process were highlights of her time at York.

“I continue to learn from the students everyday,” said Smith. “And without exception, the adults at York are the most committed and caring educators on the planet.”  

After 20 years of working for District 205, Ms. Smith has decided that it is time to retire.  While she’s not planning on giving up her role as an educator completely, Smith looks forward to spending a little more time with family.

“Professionally, I hope to work on a part-time basis in the Chicago Public Schools,” Smith said. “Personally, I plan to split my time between Chicago and North Carolina where one of my son’s is finishing graduate school at Duke.”

No matter where she goes, Smith will take with her the memories of her York family, consisting of both students and staff.

“I feel very fortunate to have worked at York alongside them,” said Smith. “The long meetings and paperwork?  Not so much….”

–York says goodbye to other teachers as well–

Ms. Lundine:

Joined Faculty: Summer of 1983

Number of Years: 33

Positions Held: Physical education classes, health classes, all swimming classes

Coached: Girls and boys swimming, girls track

Retirement Plans: “I have lots of hobbies!  I love to travel which includes camping, hiking, and kayaking.  I also love training for endurance events such as marathons, half marathons, and triathlons.  Last, but certainly not least, I plan on spending a lot more time with my family and friends.”

Miss Most: “I will miss all of the friendly people and students that I interact with every day.  I have made lifelong friends with my peers over the past 33 years, and the students have been a joy to work with.  I won’t miss early morning zero hour!”

Ms. Herbert:

Number of Years: 25 (District), 15 (York)

Positions Held: Counselor (York and Sandburg), teacher (Indiana)

Retirement Plans: “After retirement, I will be able to begin returning to Indiana on a more regular basis.  The family apple orchard is in dire need of another farm hand!”

Miss Most: “Most of all, I will miss the people here at York. It has become a second home/family for me.”

Ms. Schulte:

Joined Faculty: Fall of 1993

Number of Years: 23

Positions Held: Physical education, health education, driver education, zero hour, aquatics, guided study

Coached: Girls varsity cross country, girls varsity track and field

Retirement Plans: “I have no concrete plans other than a couple of trips.”

Miss Most: “I love my students and my athletes and co-workers. I’ll miss being busy; however, I don’t think I’ll have trouble finding interesting and rewarding things to do!”