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Chiles Elementary Says Farewell To Principal

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MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 29, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - Donned in a crown and sash and carrying a bouquet of roses, Shari Beaubien looked more like a pageant queen than a school principal.

The Chiles Elementary leader was treated to a surprise assembly Thursday so her students could wish her farewell. Beaubien, who has lead Chiles for the past seven years, is leaving to become the district's supervisor of elementary education.

Students clapped and cheered as she made her way through the crowd and took her place on a decorated chair.

The school's handbell choir chose a specific song for Beaubien because of its title: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." Sitting next to her husband and son, Beaubien wiped away tears as she listened to the music.

Students from every grade level also held up the letters that spelled her last name and recited poems that corresponded with the letters. Finally, the entire student body chanted, "We will miss you," to the tune of "We Will Rock You." At the end of the chant, the students shouted, "We love you, Mrs. Beaubien," to which she responded, "I love you, too."

Teacher Sharon Cutler told Beaubien not to be a stranger.

"Our door is always open," she said. "We can't wait to see you walk in and give us hugs."

Beaubien called the event an amazing surprise.

"It's great to have all 716 of you gathered together," she said. "I'm sure I'll see many of you while I'm out riding my bike or shopping at Publix."

The Tampa Palms resident said she plans to remain in touch with the progress of students.

"I want all of you to always to do your best," she said. "This is a very, very, very special day that I will remember for the rest of time."

After the school day ended, Beaubien was whisked away in a convertible Porsche that came complete with a chauffer dressed for the occasion. Her driver took the principal to the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club for a reception.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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