After more than three decades of dedication, Cheryl Bleeker is retiring from Hamilton Elementary. As a beloved paraprofessional—and lifelong Hamilton Hawkeye—Cheryl’s story is one deeply woven into the fabric of the building and district as a whole.
Her connection to Hamilton Community Schools began in 1967 when she began at Sandyview Elementary for kindergarten. Years after her high school graduation, she decided to begin working at Hamilton Elementary in a limited role. “I started here in 1993 on the playground,” she recalls, “and have moved into indoor roles as well as keeping the outside playground role.” Since then, she began taking on more and more in the building and has become a familiar, smiling face to generations of students—many of whom now bring their own children through the doors of Hamilton Elementary.
Known for her warm greetings, especially early in the morning as students arrive to school, Cheryl’s impact reaches far beyond academics. “I’m hoping the students remember I always smiled at them,” she said, as she walked into the building to begin another school day. “The people here become like family after a while. It’s going to be hard to leave.”
Her influence also extends into the community through Hamilton’s Dutch Dance program. Cheryl learned the traditional dances in 1994 through a community class, later becoming involved in the school program. In 1996, she began as an assistant before eventually taking over as director—a role she shared with her sister. All three of Cheryl’s daughters, along with her husband and herself, are proud Hamilton graduates, adding even more meaning to her years of service.
As she looks ahead to retirement, Cheryl is excited to embrace more time with her grandchildren—possibly even volunteering in their classrooms. She’s also looking forward to beach days, craft projects, and whatever new opportunities come her way. “We just decided now was a good time to leave and pursue other things,” she said. “We’ll see what God’s got in store for us in our next chapter of life.”
When asked what she’ll miss most, the answer came quickly: the kids. “Reading with them, seeing that light bulb turn on when they catch on to something they’ve been working so hard at—that’s what I’m going to miss.”
Hamilton Community Schools extends its heartfelt thanks to Cheryl Bleeker for her unwavering service, her bright smile, and the countless lives she has touched.
