LeFebvre retiring after nearly 40 years
Wed, 05/25/2022 - 3:47pm
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CRESCO - Last week, the Times Plain Dealer focused on elementary teachers who were retiring, Kelly Buehler, Julie Wilson and Teresa Zeimetz.
The only other retiree from Notre Dame and Crestwood is Karen LeFebvre. She has taught a total of 39-and-a-half years in Cresco, the first 12 years at Notre Dame, starting at the high school.
The next 27 years were spent at Crestwood teaching K-12 vocal music. The last 21 years she taught 9-12 choir at the high school. Seventh and eighth grade choir was added in the 2011-2012 school year.
“I taught vocal music, math, computer keyboarding and art. I could do this because I had a music education degree and an elementary education degree,” Mrs. LeFebvre explained.
“I also directed the high school musicals, a few junior high musicals, and I was a contest speech coach for a few years.”
She said she has had many satisfying moments as a teacher, so it was hard to choose one. She added, “Most of these were when students found their true singing voice and then used it in choir and solo-ensemble.
“Of course, I was fortunate to plan and direct 21 Madrigal dinners. Those were a lot of work ahead of time, but always satisfying when the students performed. I also directed many musicals at Crestwood, and seeing a very quiet person take on a role and shine on stage was so inspiring! And, this past year as an individual speech coach, two of the students that I had the privilege to coach made it to All-State!”
She recalled having fun and laughing a lot during play rehearsals. “One never knew what would happen on stage during rehearsals or performances!”
Although it doesn’t happen a lot, but hearing from current or past students is touching.
“As a teacher, sometimes you don't know what kind of an impact you are making. At times, during the year, I would get letters from students telling me what I had done for them. I've even received letters from past students thanking me. That made all the work worth it!”
After nearly 40 years of teaching, there are certainly some things a person will miss. LeFebvre said, “I will definitely miss the students and making beautiful music with them. People think singing is easy, but to make beautiful music takes time, cooperation, energy and singing from the heart. I will miss the feeling after a successful concert or contest. I will also miss seeing my faculty friends every day!
“I will not miss the amount of after school hours that I spent in the building.”
As for future plans, LeFebvre said she and husband, Kary, will be spending more time with their children, Kayla (Ryan) Behrens, Kameron (Toni) LeFebvre and Kolby LeFebvre, as well as their two grandchildren, Aubrey and Addison Behrens.
