Three teachers who have given 112 years of collective service to Tiarama Adventist Primary School in Tahiti were honoured on June 27 as they retired.
Linda Kurdykowski and John Flohr have each taught for 35 years, while Camelia Flohr has spent nearly 42 years as a teacher. On the retirement of Mavena Haumani she also took on the role of principal and ably led the school, constantly seeking to develop healthy, happy and well-educated followers of Jesus.
The teachers were thanked by current and past students in front of family, colleagues, the school community and educational professionals for the significant influence they have had in their lives.
French Polynesia Mission education director Yann Atger said, “It is special to have people who are so loyal to their mission. We are very proud to have them as examples of service for God for our children.”
Service medals and citations that spoke of their love and dedication were presented by New Zealand Pacific Union education director Rosalie McFarlane and French Polynesia Mission president Roger Tetuanui, and Mission staff recognised the tremendous service they have provided to the mission of the Church.
Administrators of the Catholic and Protestant education systems in Tahiti also came to honour their respected colleagues, speaking of how humbled they were by the way the Seventh-day Adventist Church recognises those who have served in mission through education.
