For retiring teacher, 39 years of fond memories

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown

Karen Murri poses for a portrait in her classroom at Havre High School Tuesday afternoon. Murri is retiring after 39 years of teaching.

Karen Murri went to Havre High School, went to college and came home to teach at her alma mater for 39 years.

She's taught business, accounting and computer classes in the same school and same place — Room 45 — all these years.

She's become the institutional memory, as well as the favorite teacher of hundreds over the years.

But her stretch at Havre High is coming to an end.

She'll retire at the end of the school year, and she'll leave with the fondest of memories.

"It was 39 years, but it flew by," she said. "I loved every minute of it — almost."

"I had the most fabulous students and the greatest colleagues," she said.

"Not one day did I dread coming to work," she said.

She plans on staying in her hometown and volunteering.

"I think the Boys & Girls Club would be nice," she said. "And I think there are things I could do at the hospital.

"And I'm going to spend time with the grandkids," she added.

She looks back fondly on her career and looks forward with excitement — until the issue of her last day comes up.

"It will be hard," she said, pausing. "Now you've got me crying."

"The last day is going to be hard. I try not to think about it," she said.

Higher-ups in the district will miss her advice and words of wisdom.

High School Principal Craig Mueller, who is completing his first year in the job, said Murri welcomed him and has been a great help since he arrived in town.

"She was always willing to share her knowledge of the school, its history and how things are done," he said.

"We had a department meeting (Wednesday)," he said. "We talked business for a while, but then we just listened to Karen talk about the school and her career," he said. "It was great."

School Superintendent Andy Carlson said he marvels at the enthusiasm level she has maintained over the years, winning the respect of students and fellow teachers.

"She is retiring at the top of her game," he said. "She could have gone on for many more years."