Wednesday night, New Franklin R-1 School district  said goodbye to Carolyn Pihana who has been employed with the district for 38 years. Pihana signed her first contract with the school in 1970 and has been a crossing guard, bus driver and a paraprofessional for the library, among many other jobs she has fulfilled throughout her career as a Bulldog.

With about 25 people in attendance, Pihana thanked all who came and showed their gratitude for her work. With jokes left and right, Pihana said, “This is really great, it’s so nice for all of you to come... I truthfully didn’t know how many friends I had left.” During the gathering, Pihana was showered with gifts of flowers and cards from friends, family and co-workers and received a watch from the school district. “This has been a wonderful evening. I never would have anticipated anything like this,” she said.