While Lodi Area Middle School teacher Jerry Hilliker stands out for the astonishing length of his career — he just retired after 48 years — just as remarkable is how he did it.
Seventh grader Sam Sagers said Hilliker told good jokes. He also gave them nicknames, said seventh grader Faith Hatch who became known as “Faith, Hope and Charity.”
Another Hilliker trademark was the coffee cup that was often in his hands. Seventh grader Tabitha Miller said she will always remember the way his classroom smelled like coffee in the morning.
“He teaches in a fun way,” Tabitha said.
His last day was June 9.