Drive-By Parade Held For Teacher's Retirement After 38 Years

NEW LENOX, IL — Friends, coworkers and family held a drive-by parade to celebrate New Lenox resident Judy Beach's retirement after 38 years of teaching. Beach was a teacher at Indian Springs School District 109 in Justice.

"I had no idea, I was shocked," Beach told Patch.

Beach's husband Bill told Patch she has received teacher of the year and many other awards over the years.

A retirement banquet and other events had been planned for Beach's retirement, but were canceled due to the coronavirus.

Beach told Patch she taught second grade for the longest amount of time, but taught first through fourth grade throughout her entire career.

"It kind of closed [the year]," Beach said, adding that when school closed in March, she had no idea she wouldn't be going back again.

"It was kind of cool to see everyone," Beach said.

The drive-by parade consisted of nearly 20 cars including New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, and Beach's coworkers, friends and family.

Bill said he surprised Judy with a trip to Hawaii as a retirement gift; and her future plans also include sleeping in and horseback riding.