Viewfinder: Kenwood Surprises Retiring Principal With 'Flower Out'

Someone told Principal there was trouble out in the hallway on Thursday afternoon. But little did she know, it was a trick to pull her into a long line of students holding colorful flowers to show their appreciation for the retiring principal they will miss dearly.

"Do you really have to leave?" said first-grader Ryan Fernald as Mantela made her way down the hallways collecting flowers, left and right.

The Kenwood Parent Teacher Association organized the "Flower Out" event for Mantela, who has been at Kenwood for 14 years. The event is inspired by the traditional fifth-grade "Clap Out" held on the last day of school each year.

"I'm just so surprised," Mantela said, after shedding a few tears. "They're just the best kids in the world."

Mantela said she is retiring to spend time more time with her family; she has two children who live out of state.

It was an emotional event for teachers, students and parents who also shared some tears at the event.

Teachers recognized Mantela at a Monday night school board meeting for being the caring educator who brought ice cream to school events, Valentine's Day cards for students, candy for teachers, lunch/dinner at parent-teacher conferences, being the "MEAP Queen," and taking a pie in the face for students who read all their books during the summer. 

“Working in the field of education is the most wonderful experience,” Mantela said. “Seeing the sparkle in a child’s eye is really, really fulfilling.”

Click for a full story on Mantela's retirement.