When John Jarpe addressed the graduating Class of 2017 Sunday for his final time as Brandywine Community Schools superintendent, he spoke of the champions in the room.

“Look around this room,” Jarpe said. “The word you see repeated is ‘champion.’  That word means a lot to us here at Brandywine and we do not use that term lightly. It takes hard work and sacrifice to earn the title champion.”

Jarpe recognized not only the work of students, who are seeking to better themselves through education, but the hard working parents and faculty that support them tirelessly.

On Monday, those attending Jarpe’s retirement party at the high school recognized him as a fellow champion.

Dozens gathered to share memories of Jarpe’s work and commend the ways in which he had helped to shape the schools for the future.

Dennis Hinsey, vice president of the Brandywine Community Schools board of education, recalled the ways in which Jarpe had become a fixture at student sporting events and programs at the school.

“You are part of Brandywine,” Hinsey said. “There are a lot of things you have done that others have not.”

Hinsey cited opening the doors of communication as one of those major accomplishments, which were encouraged by Jarpe’s establishment of regular staff breakfasts and one-on-one meetings.

“You opened the doors to communication,” Hinsey said.

Many laughs were shared at the party as staff recalled inside jokes and quirks specific to Jarpe that would be missed, such as the Christmas albums he created and distributed each year for the staff.

“We will miss him,” said Kathy Holy, the district’s director of finance.

Jarpe will be officially retiring June 30, after 10 years of serving the Brandywine district and a total of 43 years working in education. Jarpe will be the longest serving Brandywine superintendent since Edward Ossman.

Starting July 1, Merritt Elementary School Principal Karen Weimer will serve as Brandywine Community School District’s superintendent.

“I am excited to learn more about the district,” Weimer said. “I am so looking forward to what I am going to learn about the job.”

Weimer has served the district for 29 years. She was a fifth-grade teacher for Brandywine Elementary School for 11 years and a principal to Merritt Elementary School for 18 years.

Weimer earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership with endorsements in central office from Western Michigan University.

When she begins her role later this summer, Weimer said she looks forward to getting to know students and their families.