My Dog Ate It!

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 25, 2004 5:56PM

Carrie Kolder, retiring after teaching 31 years at Fremd High School, is requesting essays from former students as the price of admission to her retirement party.

As many as 500 of her "kids"--some of whom are now approaching their 50s--are expected to meet in the school cafeteria for a farewell salute to the tough but tender Mrs. K, who demanded the best from D students and college bound alike.

Choosing to retire after being diagnosed with a brain tumor to spend more time with her family, she assembled a list of every student she ever taught, mailed over 3,500 invitations and asked for essays about how her class affected them.

"I will read them often, and I will never read them with a dry eye," Kolder said. Chicagoist wonders whether they'll be read with red pen in hand...