Community honors Crow at retirement party
Tears, hugs and laughter were shared at Tim Crow’s retirement party held Tuesday, March 25. Hosted by the Taylor Independent School District, the event occurred after school hours, allowing students, their families, friends and teachers to drop by.
As the guest of honor, Crow stood by the door greeting everyone who came in with a loud welcome and big hug, then he requested a picture with each guest.
The party was a grand send-off to a man who meant so much to so many. Wrapping up a career spanning 40 years, Crow was honored by family, colleagues, former students, Mayor Dwayne Ariola and even astronaut Stephen Bowen.
Due to tireless effort on the part of Ariola and Crow, Bowen visited Taylor ISD two years ago. Ariola said to Crow, “(Bowen’s) flying over New Mexico right now, but he texted me a message for you: ‘Congratulations on an amazing career.’” Due to the impact Crow has made on Taylor ISD and the city of Taylor, Ariola presented Crow with a city proclamation.
“His legacy is capturing Taylor’s history and the passion that he has for our community,” Ariola said. Through tears, he added, “Tim, you are a treasure.”
Ariola also made guests laugh as he mentioned Crow’s distinctive laugh and voice.
“You know if Tim Crow’s in the building,” Ariola said. “There are distinct voices like Howard Cosell, James Earl Jones, Sam Elliott, Morgan Freeman — and the nation knows those. But Taylor, Texas is the only one that has Tim Crow.” Taylor ISD superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen also had tears in her eyes as she spoke of “the man, the myth and the legend,” as she called Crow. “One of our biggest goals in life is to leave a legacy behind, and he has done that,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
Much of the legacy Crow left behind was present in the room. Robyn Fernandez, third grade teacher at Main Street Elementary, said Crow was her principal when she was a student at Northside Elementary.
“He’s been a mentor I’ve always looked up to,” Fernandez said. “He’s one of the influences of why I am a teacher today.” Fernandez is not the only one. Many of Crow’s former students are now his colleagues, most of them now parents and grandparents.
“It’s been one of the best parts of my career,” Crow said. “It’s truly wonderful to see.”
Former colleagues Mary Ellen Krueger and Debby Krueger also came to the party to honor Crow. Debby Krueger worked with Crow at T.H. Johnson Elementary when both were teachers. Mary Ellen Krueger worked with him when he became principal at Northside and both Kruegers followed Crow to Pasemann Elementary.
Debby Krueger said, “He’s what every school needs, he’s what the world needs right now. He understands and appreciates what education is and that it’s more than just numbers. It’s about the students; it’s about the teachers who love their kids.”
Mary Ellen Krueger, who hadn’t known Crow before they worked together, added, “It was amazing to me to see how compassionate he was. He was an advocate for his teachers, families and his students. He always put the students first in terms of in what we could do to help them.”
Both Kruegers agree Crow made an impact on those around him. Debby Krueger said, “(Crow) may not have kids of his own, but he has all of these kids here that love him.”
Crow said he always wanted to be an educator.
“I have been blessed to live that dream,” he said. “I’ve had so much fun.”
Crow said he’d always heard he’d know when it was time to retire.
“And now I can say, ‘It’s time,’” he said. “I’m tired. Walking isn’t as easy as it used to be, and I need to take things at a slower pace.”
Jina Self, chief financial officer at Taylor ISD, said, “Tim Crow is an icon.” While she was sad about his retirement, she said, “He’ll be back to visit. He promised.”
