Picnic provides teachers with summer send-off

After watching students celebrate the end of the school year all last week, local teachers were treated to a party of their own on Friday during the first ever Teacher’s Appreciation Picnic at Riverside Park in Polson.

Organized by Riverside Recreation with the support of local businesses, the event featured a barbecue, live music and some much appreciated adult beverages.

Pablo Elementary School teacher Kathy Briney said it was the time in her 37-year career that she’s seen a party thrown on behalf of teachers.

“This is really nice to have,” she said.

Kevin Owen, a teacher at Polson High School who manages Riverside Recreation’s website, credited the boat rental company’s owner Eric Huffine for conceiving the concept.

“He wanted to do something to give back,” Owen said. “It was a cool idea. I just ran with it.”

Owen said he invited teachers from every school in the Mission Valley. He said local business also jumped on board to donate food and other supplies.

“Everybody was really enthusiastic,” he said.

Ronan Middle School teacher Zack Rowan said the gathering provided a rare opportunity to visit with colleagues who work elsewhere in the county.

“It’s nice to get together with all the teachers across the valley,” he said. “We never get a chance during the school year.”

The celebration came at the perfect time for Cherry Valley teacher Jenaya Forman, who said that the final few weeks before summer are always taxing on teachers.

“It starts out hectic and ends hectic,” she said.

After enjoying complementary food and drinks, the teachers were treated to a musical performance from Jon Schumaker, leader singer of the Polson-based band Off In The Woods.

Lounging in the sun beside Flathead Lake, Mitchell Wassam and his colleagues from Ronan Middle School agreed that the relaxation was well deserved, even if they said so themselves.