One of Washougal’s longtime administrators has announced her retirement.
Carol Boyden, who has worked as a special education teacher, special services director, grant administrator and principal, will begin a new chapter in June.
Boyden noted there is no way she could narrow down her favorite memory, but a definite highlight has been helping students succeed, especially those who faced extreme hardships.
“Watching a student who faced challenges during their high school career walk across the stage at graduation, and knowing they are there, in part because of something you did, is really a special moment,” she said.
In college, Boyden was working toward degrees in psychology and Spanish. After completing an internship working with severely handicapped children, she changed course.
“I thought, ‘Well, I might as well get my teaching credentials,'” Boyden said.
This small decision began a career in education spanning more than 46 years.
Boyden began her teaching career in Maryland in 1970. She served as a special education teacher for 23 years, teaching in Delaware, Colorado and California before moving to the Northwest.