Ann Pettit has worked at Oak Park High School since the beginning. Her first school year was the year of the first graduating senior class in 1982-83 and she went on for 35 more years teaching, coaching and acting as the co-Athletic Director alongside Dick Billingsley.

Although Pettit explained that she will miss the many students and teachers that have walked the grounds of the high school, she wrote that she would like a less demanding schedule with fewer responsibilities.

“Changes have come to our programs here that make it feel to me like this is the right time for me to retire and pursue different things in my life,” Pettit wrote.

Pettit wrote about her retirement plans beyond the senior year Life Skills retreat and “watching numerous athletes and teams develop and succeed with integrity.”

“[I’m looking forward to] a slower pace, later morning workouts, helping others with spiritual direction, seeing my own kids more, traveling with my husband, and spending time with friends,” Pettit wrote.

Pettit studied kinesiology at the University of California in Los Angeles going on to receive her teaching credential at California State University at Long Beach and master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University.

“I am beyond grateful to have landed at OPHS as I finished college, and for a terrific career here filled with so many good memories,” Pettit wrote. “I will always hold OPHS in a special place in my heart.”