LINDEN — When a young Lynn Oliver of Connersville graduated from Purdue University with her master’s degree in the early ‘80s, she had one goal in mind: To teach kids to love physical education.
Now, nearly 40 years later, her retirement from the North Montgomery community — where she spent her entire teaching career — will surely present a challenge to the next educator who attempts to fill her shoes.
Looking back on her start at North Montgomery in 1981, Oliver said her mission never changed, and hopes each generation of students under her tutelage will go on to make healthy lifestyle choices for the rest of their days.
“Physical education is important for everyone to live a longer, healthier life,” Oliver said. “I wanted to teach kids to love P.E. and exercise their whole lives.”
In addition to instructing physical education classes at the elementary, middle and high school levels, Oliver has served as a coach for swimming, track and gymnastics for the Chargers. She has also instructed lifeguard, CPR and First-Aid certification courses throughout her career.
“I was and aid and a coach ... at first,” Oliver, the first-ever swim coach at Northridge, said. “I taught swimming at the middle school and high school for many years. Then I taught P.E. at the high school. Then my last 12 years I taught elementary P.E. at Sommer, Pleasant Hill and Sugar Creek.”
But she didn’t do it alone, she said, giving credit to several teachers and colleagues who helped or inspired her along the way.
“My swim coach Mrs. Heinanman in high school influenced me the most to go into swimming and be a physical education teacher,” she said. “During my career I had many teachers that influenced me. Some of them were Mrs. Bryant, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Bartell. They were all great teachers that influenced me to be a good teacher.”
Asked what message she hopes to have left with her students, Oliver again took the opportunity to impart knowledge and advice, saying, “To keep exercising and having fun.”
“Do exercise that you like so you will continue to do it for years to come,” Oliver said. “Mix it up and do a lot of different exercises so you don’t get bored.
“Keep moving your whole life to feel better and live longer. Also, eat healthier by eating more fruit, vegetable, lean meats and nuts. Drink more water and less Coke and such. Portion size is important to maintain a healthy weight.”
Oliver was recognized by Superintendent Dr. Colleen Moran and school board members for her distinguished career during a June public meeting in which her retirement was approved. Oliver was honored in front of fellow educators and current and former students, and was presented with an ornate clock as a small token of appreciation.
“Lynn has been at the school corporation for 39 years in different capacities, and she always looks beautiful when we come to these meetings,” Moran said. “She’s in her P.E. clothes sometimes but she comes to these meetings or events and looks like a million bucks.
“We’re going to miss seeing you around, Lynn.”
