Editor, Gazette-Journal:

After 35 years of service, my father Jim Newton is retiring from teaching at Gloucester High School at the end of the school year. On behalf of my siblings Destiney, Spaanity, Chenay and Jamian, we wanted to share these words with our humble pa.

Dad, as you embark on the next phase of your journey, we would like to thank you for being our dedicated father. The trait that we agree you instilled in us is a strong work ethic. From early ages, you taught us to cherish family, and made us road warriors who could withstand four-hour car trips to visit our grandmothers with only one bathroom stop!

High standards in school began long before that anxiously anticipated first bus ride. Even during summers, math problems, spelling words and library books were commonplace. You encouraged regular attendance in Sunday school, and lending a helping hand to elderly neighbors. You made it possible for us to take piano, tennis and swimming lessons. You also supported us w...