Twenty-one years ago, office manager Robbi Pennington met a lost looking soul in the parking lot of Canyon Creek Elementary, and with a warm smile asked, “Can I help you?”

The lost soul was me.

Robbi could tell I was here for kindergarten registration and that it was my first time at the school.

“Come with me! Let me show you where to go,” she said.

With that, Robbi hand-delivered me into the arms of welcoming teachers and PTA parents excited to talk about kindergarten. Robbi’s friendly greeting and helpfulness were my first experiences at Canyon Creek and in the Northshore School District.

Her supportive nature prevailed from then on.

I recall when I was teaching a before-school writing class, our little class wanted to write letters of welcome to students who would enter Canyon Creek mid year. As I gathered the letters, Robbi chimed in, “Give them to me! I’ll hand them out to the new students.”

She made sure the letters became part of the new-student packet.

Then there was the time a fourth-grade class had an assignment to interview a Canyon Creek staff member and write a follow-up profile. You guessed it! Busy Robbi made herself available and most willing to be interviewed to help the students with their project. The children learned of her love for making soup — especially pea soup!

Robbi often strayed from her desk (a desk filled with students’ drawings, notes and photos!) to watch lift-off of a colorful sixth-grade hot-air balloon, or to cheer on the children during field day.

When a child asked, “Mrs. Pennington, can you come to the music room?”

“I’m there,” she said, and listened to a marimba band, songs from the chorus and danced around the room to the beat of a drum.

Robbi has a passion for books and has always cherished reading to the students in the classroom … her favorite tale being Brer Rabbit and similar stories with a message!

Outside of school, her genuine interest in the Canyon Creek family continued. She attended students’ soccer games and band concerts, even though they had “graduated” to neighboring Skyview Junior High. It’s no wonder students returned to Canyon Creek to visit her. She welcomed them saying, “I remember when you couldn’t even see over this counter.”

Robbi has been spotted at many high-school graduations proudly launching her kids into college and work with one last word of encouragement and good wishes for their success.

Robbi Pennington retires this June after 22 years at Canyon Creek, preceded by 15 years at the University of Washington.

Her view on retirement?

“We have many cool things to do,” she says.

Robbi and her husband, Les, like to camp and hike. They also plan a trip to Europe to see if they remember any German words and to visit the German exchange student, Stephan, whom they hosted during his high-school year at Inglemoor. In spring of 2009, they’ll trek through China with other retired Canyon Creekers.

She also wants to continue to read to school students, as well as volunteer her time reading at Childrens Hospital.

Robbi reflects on what she’ll miss about the daily routine and says, “My colleagues, the laughing and yakking, helping students and parents with anything they need, as well as the challenges of being psychologist and counselor.”

Present and former Canyon Creek teachers, principals and many friends joined a celebration of dinner, dancing and shared memories in the Clubhouse at Kenmore’s Aqua Club. With cheers, laughter and song (teacher Jeff Booth on guitar and Principal Bill Bagnall on trumpet!), 200 attendees launched Robbi Pennington into a well-deserved retirement.

Alles Gute, Robbi, and thanks!

Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.