By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich – When retiring high school media specialist Joan Turner started teaching Goodrich fifth-graders in 1962, it was a different world.
There were no computers, parents backed up teachers, staff knew the small student population by name, bread dough was kneaded by hand for fund-raiser elephant ear pastries, and with just a few dollars to spend, empty carpet rolls were sprayed white and beribboned to create elegant columnar backdrops for the prom.
With increasing government-mandated requirements, teaching is more of a challenge these days, says Turner, who has been known to stay around school until 10:30 p.m. to catch up on work.
‘My youngest son said, ‘You know Mom, there is life after Goodrich.??
Turner–who is also a Goodrich alumnus, along with her four children–felt compelled to speak out at times, but was known by many students as a mentor.
During nearly 30 years with the district, she was active in numerous school and community activities, including the homecoming parade, proms, and dances. Although scheduling proms outside the school gained popularity, the prom was brought back to the high school gym with the Class of 1991, she said.
Turner served as Goodrich Education Association treasurer for more than 20 years, was involved in Goodrich fun days, aided in planning the community road rally, and helped brainstorm to invite, publicize, and pay for special guests like this year’s abstinence speaker, Jason Evert. At one point she took on directing high school plays.
The long-time educator also sold oranges, grapefruit, candy, garbage bags, wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and magazines to raise funds as a sponsor for four classes, with whom she flew to Florida, Washington, and New York on senior trips.
During nearly 40 years in the schools, including 10 years in the Flint school system, Turner loved every minute of helping kids, she says, and and retires with mixed feelings. She knows she’ll miss the involvement when fall rolls around, but plans to spend more time with her family and 10 grandchildren.
‘The community and school have been a big part of my life and I have some wonderful memories to take with me,? she said.
Turner’s family is planning a retirement open house in her honor from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Goodrich High School cafeteria.