St. James Plaindealer
Four long-time teachers in the St. James School District retired on June 3. Karen Lahti, Bev Carson, Cathy Bruce, and Elaine Krech ended their teaching careers at the end of this school year.
Lahti taught music in St. James for 23 years. During her career Lahti taught a variety of instrumental programs, such as marches, classic wind ensemble and pep band music. She directed two jazz ensembles, one teaching ensemble for 7th-10th graders, and an upper level jazz ensemble.
Each day Lahti put her students first in order to give them the best music experince.
“Mrs. Lahti worked exhaustively to give each student-musician her undivided attention,” said Karla Beck, High and middles school principal.
St. James band director finishes teaching career with Golden Apple Award Karen Lahti, right, conducts students as they play music Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in St. James, Minn. Lahti was awarded the Golden Apple Award Wednesday and will be retiring at the conclusion of the current school year. She is currently the band director at St. James Public Schools and has taught music for a total of 33 years. (Source: Marissa Voss) By Marissa Voss | May 12, 2021 at 6:07 PM CDT - Updated May 12 at 8:32 PM
ST. JAMES, Minn. (KEYC) â Thirty-three years of teaching the musically inclined with a soft voice and heart is how this monthâs Golden Apple Award winner is described.