Wayland Middle School Principal Carolyn Whyte is retiring at the end of this academic year after serving for nearly 18 years.

Staff members and colleagues gathered at the school Tuesday to wish Ms. Whyte well in the future.

Whyte, 47, earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary teaching in social studies in 1999 from Alma College, a master’s degree in secondary school administration in 2003 from central Michigan University and an educational specialist degree in school leadership from Grand Valley State University in 2015.

In summarizing her day Tuesday she indicated her appreciation for:

• Birthday celebration and softball.
• Emma’s Memorial bench arrived.
• Graduation celebration with my security partner.
• My retirement party.•Weekend at Abbigail Hamilton’s peaceful getaway in Gaylord.
• Watching one of my talented students play the drums at Founders.