After 19 years of teaching at UC High and over 30 years of teaching in total, Physical Education Department Chair Dr. Terry Homiston has decided to retire at the close of the school year.

According to Homiston, she had her eyes on becoming a P.E. teacher from a young age, making it her career goal back middle school. “I have wanted to be a P.E. teacher since eighth grade and never wanted to teach anything else,” said Homiston.

Homiston’s career has left her feeling fulfilled, as she has gained much out of being a teacher. “The best things were knowing you have made a difference, and making physical education fun, as well as improving fitness levels,” said Homiston.

Homiston’s decision to retire this year arose out of personal and family-related reasons. “It just seems like the right time. My husband is retired (from teaching), and both of our adult children, Michael and Jennifer, serve overseas in the military,” said Homiston.

Freshman Nicee Vincent was one of Homiston’s students, and looks back on her time in Homiston’s class fondly. “What I liked most about Ms. Homiston is that she seemed like she genuinely cared about what she was doing, and I don’t usually get that impression from a lot of teachers. She wasn’t just there because she had to, and that’s one of the reasons why she was one of the teachers whose spots were worth rushing to get to. She gave us a chance to make up work, as she is a really sweet person. I’m very saddened by her departure, but she will never be forgotten by the UC community, as she has left behind a heart-warming legacy,” said Vincent.

Homiston cherishes her time as a P.E. teacher at UC High, as well as the relationships it helped her establish with students and fellow staff. “The best moments were the positive interactions with students, lifelong friendships with colleagues, and former students keeping in contact,” said Homiston.