Superintendent Dean Koppelman (left) presents Rich Winning with an award for his years of service to Valley City High School at a retirement reception held Wednesday afternoon at the Hi-Liner Activity Center. (Sheila Anderson/VCTR) 

By Sheila Anderson
Valley City Times-Record

Rich Winning was philosophical at his retirement reception.
“When the time is right, you’ll know,” Winning said.
After 28 years in the Valley City School District, Winning is retiring. Winning started a teaching career in Rolla in 1968, then went to the University of North Dakota to become a guidance counselor. In 1980, he came to Valley City.
“It’s been rewarding,” Winning said. “Having high school kids, you see how much they grow up and it’s really neat.”
Winning said when he was in high school the faculty included no guidance counselors, and he felt that the students really needed a counselor.
“That was an important factor in deciding this was something I really wanted to do,” Winning said.
Winning said his years of teaching helped him better understand what students needed.
“It is interesting seeing the challenges kids face,” Winning said. “Kids have changed because the way we parent has changed a lot.”
Winning said the amount of time children are unsupervised has increased.
“It is harder for kids and parents,”  Winning said. “It’s really critical for them to make good choices. Together we all have a positive impact.”
After retiring, Winning plans to relax for a while.
“Then we’ll just see what comes,” Winning said.
keserving
Nancy Wahlund (left) serves guests at Rich Winning’s retirement reception Wednesday afternoon. Winning is retiring after 28 years at Valley City High School. (Sheila Anderson/VCTR)