Katie Durant was a wonderful mother of four, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher. Mrs. Durant had a passion for all children; including her own! She enjoyed going to the many games her children participated in (football, basketball, lacrosse and track). Mrs. Durant spent her summers at the shore with her children, mother, and extended family. She had a very strong faith. Mrs. Durant had a special gift that touched the lives of every single person she met, and each and every child she taught.
Mrs. Durant began her teaching career in the Rose Tree Media School District in 1994 as a student teacher at Rose Tree Elementary School. She was a long- term substitute teacher, second grade teacher, and a Title One math specialist. Mrs. Durant said this about her experience at Media: “I taught at Media Elementary for twelve years and my colleagues were like my second family. They were there when I got married, had four children, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and lost my father. I could not have imagined ever leaving there.” In 2007, Mrs. Durant was transferred to Indian Lane Elementary School as a half-day kindergarten teacher; we were so lucky to have her! Mrs. Durant shared this about her experience at Indian Lane: “When I was transferred eight years ago to Indian Lane I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, welcoming, and professional. I knew I was home. My cancer returned after my first year at Indian Lane. My colleagues at IL insisted on making meals and providing any other help my family needed. Throughout the next four years, the people from Indian Lane continued to support me, and my family. My cancer would come and go, but they never stopped. The staff at Indian Lane is beyond loving, caring, and giving. They are a group of fabulous people, they are my extended family.” Mrs. Durant remained at Indian Lane Elementary School actively teaching until she became too ill to continue and was hospitalized in November 2014. Mrs. Katie Durant passed away on February 2, 2015. She was loved by all and will be missed by the entire Rose Tree Media staff, the students, their families, and the whole community. Katie’s family said it best: “We will miss her…Her smile, Her laugh, Her infectious kindness, Her friendship, and the million other little things that made Katie our Katie.” |
Debbie Preg touched many students’ lives during her 18 years teaching in the Rose Tree Media School District. She started at Indian Lane in 1996. During her time in the district Ms. Preg worked as a second grade teacher, as the accelerated math teacher and as a reading specialist. She finished her career working half a day at Indian Lane and half a day at Glenwood Elementary as a Reading Specialist. She loved teaching students to read and grow as readers. She volunteered with the Sketchbook Club at Indian Lane inspiring young artists with her artistic talent.
Ms. Preg lived life to the fullest. She and her family loved to travel and spend time together. She kept a positive outlook during her four-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was an inspiration to her family, friends, students, and co-workers. She is greatly missed. |