BRADENTON (WSNN) – We’ve seen car parades for birthdays and graduations, but what about for retirements?
After nearly 30 years of teaching, Linda Bolno, is retiring from Rowlett Academy in Bradenton. She teaches Kindergarten and 1st grade.
About 70 cars of students, former coworkers, and current educators drove up to her house Saturday morning to bid Bolno her final farewell.
When kids left for Spring Break, teachers had no idea they would never get to hug their students again.
People dropped off cards, letters, and flowers. Bolno says she did not expect to wake up this heartwarming surprise.
“This was a total surprise, especially with the way the school year’s ended,” Bolno said. “I’m a hugger, and the hardest thing for me was I couldn’t hug people and say goodbye the right way. So, this has been wonderful. I have my mask, and when this is all over, I will be giving a lot of hugs.”
The former principal of Rowlett Academy, Brian Flynn was among the educators she saw in the parade. They go way back. having started their education careers together.
“Linda is one of those teachers you want every child to experience,” Flynn said. “She is an amazing individual, an amazing teacher. I was fortunate that two of my six grandchildren had an opportunity to experience her.
Flynn says those who’ve learned from Bolno are very fortunate. Bolno says she’s going to miss the support of her team, along with her students.
