Reception July 11 from 4-6pm at Orcas Christian School
Orcas Christian School announces the retirement of Maria and Bob Nutt, and Judy and Roger Worley. OCS appreciates the involvement and sharing that the Nutts and Worleys have given to both OCS and the Orcas community. OCS invites the island communities to a meet and greet gathering for both the Nutts and the Worleys at OCS on July 11 from 4-6pm.
Maria and Bob Nutt were full time teachers living in Southern California when they went to visit Bob’s parents who had moved to Orcas Island in 1988. Maria and Bob decided to make Orcas Island their home after being married in 1990 at Maria’s family home in New York. They immediately moved here where they have now lived for 25 years. The Nutts have been involved with both the Orcas Public Schools and Orcas Christian School as teachers or grounds management. In 2007 Maria and Bob began team teaching for the OCS middle school science program. For the last eight years students have discovered a love for science because of Maria’s and Bob’s commitment to viewing science as fun and the importance of pursuing excellence in all areas of life. “We believe that all students can learn and that expectations should be challenging and within reach,” says Maria. Bob adds, “always remember, science is fun!”
For more than a decade Maria has been teaching knitting with OCS students of all ages. OCS elementary teacher, Michelle Bechtel, says, “The students love it when Mrs. Nutt arrives for their knitting session; they’re learning a life skill and relaxing at the same time.”
Many island residents know the Nutts because of their volunteer work with the fire department. Not long after arriving on Orcas Bob began his training to be a volunteer firefighter and then both became EMTs. Bob is now the volunteer captain of the west side, and along with Maria wear pagers identifying the type of call and its location. Retirement is a relative word for Maria and Bob; they will now be working only 4 jobs instead of 5. With the high school graduation of their son, Liam, two years ago, and their daughter, Mara, this year, they look forward to traveling and spending more time with their beloved sheep, goats and pigs.
Maria and Bob would like to thank the parents and students of Orcas for the opportunity to play with science and knitting.
When they arrived on Orcas Island July 2002, Roger and Judy Worley believed they “might live here four or five years.” After 13 years they find it easy to call Orcas Island their home and always look forward to returning from an off-island trip. Leaving their home in Portland, Oregon was a difficult decision. Judy was a school nurse for Portland Public Schools and Roger taught at Portland Adventist Academy. “Orcas Island seemed like a place on another continent,” says Roger. Judy adds, “The opportunity to contribute to the developing high school program at Orcas Christian School drew us to the place we now call home.” Besides teaching in the classroom Roger has worked with kids as a pastor, boy’s dean, and administrator. The Worleys love people and their people of choice are kids. Roger will miss the classroom where he says, “I’ll miss challenging students to think and letting them challenge me and my philosophy.”
Judy enjoys traveling to places where she can be helpful to kids and families. She has led and participated in service trips to several countries. These trips have provided opportunities to introduce students to different cultures and the joy of service. As a RN/LMP she has worked in chemical dependency and school nursing-always advocating for wellness.
For the last 3 ½ years Judy and Roger had the privilege of pastoring the Orcas Adventist Fellowship and are thankful for the friendship and support that has been given to them. Judy and Roger both agree that, “this group continually reminds us that a church should be a vital part of a community, not separate and aloof from what’s going on around them.”
Judy and Roger look forward to being with and receiving 24/7 care and entertainment from their two sons, Matt, Micah, and their families. They plan on taking service trips whenever possible and Roger will pursue his second career choice of being a consultant for the Seattle Mariners. Judy and Roger send a simple message to all those who have become a part of their lives: “Thank you Orcas for helping us evolve in such a positive way!”
The school systems are losing two great people with the Nutts’ retirement. However, we are sure they will continue to offer much to our community and we wish them nothing but happiness!
Ken and Karen Speck
My son went to OCS when we first moved here from Waldron, when he was 9. I don’t know what he and I would have done without the Worleys. They are truly exceptional people. My son and I were also so moved when Roger and Judy came to my son’s high school graduation ceremony at Spring Street International School, in Friday Harbor. Wishing the Worleys every blessing in their new adventure, and our profoundest thanks for all they gave to all of us lucky enough to cross their paths.