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Many educators never stop having a passion for teaching, even when their full-time employment days are complete. 

Such a fact was evident in the early morning of Friday, Feb. 7. 

A group of current and former faculty members gathered at Shearer Elementary School to put on an educational production of Little Red Riding Hood for students. 

“I thought instead of reading it to them, we’d have it narrated,” said Paula Thomas, retired Secretary at Shearer Elementary School. 

Many are familiar with the classic fairy tale. 

Little Red Riding Hood, the central character, is walking through the woods en route, delivering food to her grandmother. 

However, conflict arises when she encounters the big bad wolf. 

Even more troublesome, the big bad wolf is disguised as Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother, making it difficult for Little Red Riding Hood to determine his identity. 

Having read the book to many students, Thomas was inspired by previous events. 

“[Myself and the nurse] used to do skits all the time,” said Thomas, noting that they often showed students how to make snacks. “I just thought, ‘Well, you can grab a kid’s attention better like that.’” 

While students came to attend the event, Thomas was far from the only former faculty member participating in the performance. 

Others included nurse Julie Ullery, counselor Regina Spencer, and librarian Anne Hall. 

Brian Caudill, who currently works as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Shearer Elementary School, was also involved. 

“We went through and practiced a couple of days beforehand,” said Thomas. 

While entertaining, there was also a message behind the performance. 

“The lesson [for students] was don’t talk to strangers or go with any strangers,” said Thomas, who wrote the skit. “That’s how we ended it. It was, ‘I promise I’ll never talk to strangers again,’ and I turned to them and said, ‘And neither should you.’” 

While nothing is certain now, Thomas has indicated an openness to continue. 

“We might be doing it for another school, but we’ll see,” she said.