Patsy Athman, Family and Consumer Science: Retiring after 13 years at Healy
I am Patsy Athman and I teach Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) at Healy High School. The specific courses I teach are 7th grade FACS, Child Development and Parenting, Foods and Nutrition I and II, and Quilting and Textiles.
I grew up on a farm in Crow Wing County. Some of my responsibilities on the farm were helping milk cows and helping in the hay field. I spent many days each summer raking hay. I also vividly remember many evenings stacking square bales in the hay mow when it was well over 100 degrees up there. Farming and 4-H seemed to go together and my family was very involved in the county fair. I entered projects for dairy heifer, vegetable and potato gardening, baking, canning, and sewing. I also participated in 4-H demonstration day many times. I earned a trip to the State Fair with one project or another every year from the time I was old enough to go. Those activities developed into my interest in teaching Family and Consumer Sciences.
I graduated from Brainerd High School, Central Lakes College, and North Dakota State University. I started my teaching career with a long term substitute position here in Pierz. I was then offered a job in Upsala and I stayed there for 19 years. I’ve come full circle and will finish my teaching career in a few weeks having been at Pierz for the last 13 years. I have been very fortunate to work with some extraordinary staff and amazing students.
What I am most looking forward to in retirement is getting up each morning and having the freedom to do whatever I want! My bucket list includes visiting Alaska and Hawaii. When I get caught up with all my unfinished projects at home or you might find me working at a greenhouse, bakery or quilt shop.
My family includes my husband Earl and our children Alyssa and Evan. Alyssa is a student at North Dakota State University in Fargo; and Evan is a student at the University of Mary in Bismarck. Being a parent has been the greatest joy in my life.
My words of wisdom are, “Life is what you make it. Make it good”.
I grew up on a farm in Crow Wing County. Some of my responsibilities on the farm were helping milk cows and helping in the hay field. I spent many days each summer raking hay. I also vividly remember many evenings stacking square bales in the hay mow when it was well over 100 degrees up there. Farming and 4-H seemed to go together and my family was very involved in the county fair. I entered projects for dairy heifer, vegetable and potato gardening, baking, canning, and sewing. I also participated in 4-H demonstration day many times. I earned a trip to the State Fair with one project or another every year from the time I was old enough to go. Those activities developed into my interest in teaching Family and Consumer Sciences.
I graduated from Brainerd High School, Central Lakes College, and North Dakota State University. I started my teaching career with a long term substitute position here in Pierz. I was then offered a job in Upsala and I stayed there for 19 years. I’ve come full circle and will finish my teaching career in a few weeks having been at Pierz for the last 13 years. I have been very fortunate to work with some extraordinary staff and amazing students.
What I am most looking forward to in retirement is getting up each morning and having the freedom to do whatever I want! My bucket list includes visiting Alaska and Hawaii. When I get caught up with all my unfinished projects at home or you might find me working at a greenhouse, bakery or quilt shop.
My family includes my husband Earl and our children Alyssa and Evan. Alyssa is a student at North Dakota State University in Fargo; and Evan is a student at the University of Mary in Bismarck. Being a parent has been the greatest joy in my life.
My words of wisdom are, “Life is what you make it. Make it good”.
