Valentine’s Day 1973 marked the beginning of a lifelong journey with my husband, Michael Philbrick. On that day, Mike proposed—setting in motion a partnership that has shaped both our personal and professional lives. We were married the following year, in 1974, after graduating from college, and soon began what would become a shared vocation in education.
For forty years, we taught at a Seneca, Kansas high school, working side by side in the same district throughout our careers. We retired at the same time, closing one chapter together and opening another. In retirement, we have continued to share our interests—spending time researching our respective genealogies and volunteering with both the local historical society and our church.
Below is a page from a 2006 issue of the school newspaper that reflects not only our story but those of other couples whose lives and careers were intertwined with the district. At the time of our retirement, Pat McKernan served as principal, while his wife Renee taught in the grade school. Jon and Roxanne Thomas were—and remain—part of the district, with Jon teaching math and coaching, and Roxanne serving as a special education teacher.
It’s a small snapshot in print, but one that captures decades of shared work, community, and relationships—fitting for a Valentine’s Day reflection.
