Handy Retires After 42 Years of Teaching

Mrs. Barb Handy of Sharon Springs Central School retired on Jan. 2nd, 2025 after 42 years of dedication to education! Photo courtesy: SSCS.

By Alexis Pencar

Mrs. Barb Handy has retired after 42 years of dedication to education. Handy has and always will have an “inexhaustible love of students, teaching and community”.

In a show of support by students and teachers alike, on January 2nd, 2025, Barbara Handy “took a loving walk into retirement with all of her Spartans fans walking with her”.

This beloved longtime teacher, advisor and mentor to so many, has officially retired after being diagnosed with cancer. Despite this challenging diagnosis, Mrs. Handy’s “spirit remains as indomitable as ever and she plans to continue teaching at SSCS in retirement as much as her body allows” according to SSCS.

On this special day, students and staff showed their gratitude and admiration for Handy as she was honorably escorted from her classroom to the gym, with a performance by the school band who played the SSCS Alma Mater for her on her way out.

Previous to this, on 12/20, students, teachers, and parents all wore lime green during the Girls Varsity Basketball Game to support this valued faculty member who has done so much, during her 42 year of dedication to education.

This is a testament of a supportive and caring community recognizing a true Spartan who’s impacts will never be forgotten! Happy Retirement and good health to Mrs. Handy!