For over two decades, Westlawn Elementary School had the privilege of being served by two remarkable physical education teachers, Mary Tillett and Pete Howe. Their unwavering dedication to the students and their passion for promoting physical fitness and well-being have left an indelible mark on the school community. As they retired, the Westlawn community came together to celebrate their legacy by dedicating the school's gymnasium in their honor.

Pete Howe and Mary Tillett were pillars of the Westlawn community, and were mentors, role models, and lifelong advocates for physical health. Their dynamic teaching styles and genuine care for each student made their physical education classes a highlight of many young lives.

Mary Tillett brought her infectious enthusiasm for sports to the gymnasium. Her dedication to inclusivity was exemplary, ensuring that every child, regardless of their physical abilities, felt valued and encouraged. Her adaptive teaching techniques allowed all students to participate and grow in their athletic abilities. Beyond just teaching sports skills, Mary instilled values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance in her students, which extended beyond the gymnasium and into their everyday lives.

Pete Howe was a walking encyclopedia of physical education knowledge. He had an incredible ability to make complex concepts accessible to young minds. His passion for health and wellness extended beyond the classroom, often organizing school-wide fitness challenges and wellness initiatives. His ability to run dozens of laps during the Laps for Learning fundraiser was extraordinary. Pete's charismatic teaching style and creative game construction made even the most challenging activities seem like an exciting adventure.

Together, Mary and Pete were an unbeatable team. They complemented each other's strengths and had an extraordinary rapport with the students. They organized annual field days that were nothing short of legendary, creating memories that students cherished for a lifetime. Their dedication went beyond the school hours; staff fondly remember Pete Howe’s annual chocolate-covered macaroons being entered into the December baking contest, and Mary dedicated countless hours to managing the staff Social Committee, ensuring staff had everything they needed to thrive as a community and execute events flawlessly. She was a stickler for details, and worked to ensure that volunteers had not only the 10 pounds of potatoes needed per slow cooker for the potato bar, but instructions as to their preparation as well!

As the years passed, the impact of Mary Tillett and Pete Howe on Westlawn Elementary School became increasingly evident. Former students who had once been in their classes now returned as parents, eagerly enrolling their children in the school, hoping for them to experience the same guidance and inspiration that they had received.

The decision to dedicate the school's gymnasium to Mary Tillett and Pete Howe was met with overwhelming support from the school community. It now proudly bears the names of Pete Howe and Mary Tillett, serving as a lasting reminder of their enduring legacy. It is a place where students will continue to develop their physical abilities, cultivate teamwork, and embrace the values of sportsmanship and perseverance—values that Mary and Pete instilled in generations of Westlawn students.

As Mary Tillett and Pete Howe step into their well-deserved retirement, their impact on Westlawn Elementary School remains immeasurable. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to fostering a love for physical fitness and well-being will continue to inspire students for years to come. The dedication of the gymnasium is not just a recognition of their exceptional service but a symbol of the lasting impression they have left on the hearts and minds of the Westlawn community. Mary and Pete, thank you for decades of unwavering dedication to shaping the future of our children, one PE class at a time.

Check out these photos of Pete Howe and Mary Tillett through the years:

And, finally, here is the plaque that is now outside the gym doors: