Goodbye to retirees

Some of Carson City School District's 21 retirees were recognized at the school board meeting Tuesday, including Ron McNutt, dean of athletics, who started working for the district in 1971.

Principal Fred Perdomo spoke highly of him, saying that McNutt always played Santa for special-education students at the school and purchased them sweatshirts every year.

"The smiles on their faces were all the reward Ron needed," he said. "Indeed, he's going to be missed."

Stewart Peebles, the retiring choir teacher at CHS, was also recognized.

"He's had a remarkable record a Carson High School with many rewards and championships with the state choir," Perdomo said.

Richard Stokes, associate superintendent of human resources, also brought attention to Carol Harris, a professional-development instructor for the past 11 years and the 2004-05 educator of the year. She's been in the district for more than 30 years.

"I'm pleased to say I've had a number of positive interactions with Carol," he said. "She is one of those people who make sure that things that get started also get finished."

Ernie McKenzie, a 30-year veteran with the district, is retiring as director of the adult-education and prison programs, as which he worked for the past 14 years.

"Thirty years goes by just like that," he said with a snap of his fingers.

Update on the treasure hunt

More than half of the puzzles in a treasure hunt started June 1 to benefit the Carson City School District's Gifted and Talented Program have been answered. As of Thursday, 41 people were participating.

There are still four puzzles unanswered and four chances to win the $20 individual puzzle winnings for being the first to solve one of those. One team has correctly solved eight of the puzzles. There is still time to register for $15. To do so, go to www.twdive.com/puzzle.html.

The winning team will receive a minimum of $1,000. More than $700 has been raised so far. For information call Steve Lang at 412-7758.

"A lot of times with fundraising we forget about the gifted-and-talented program and think 'They're smart' and 'They can handle it,'" he said. "The next Einstein is going to come out of a gifted and talented program somewhere. Why not Carson City?"

• Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.