All it takes is a walk down the social studies hallway to be welcomed by the bright and boisterous personality of Cecilia Burtnett. After teaching Pre-AP Geography and History of the World as well as AP European History for 23 years, Burtnett is retiring from her post at the end of the current school year.

The sudden plans for retirement are a result of Burtnett’s recent diagnosis of breast cancer.

“It was a big surprise,” Burtnett said. “I didn’t think I’d get breast cancer. It’s just not in my family history.”

Despite this unfortunate news looming, every time students walk into Burtnett’s classroom, they are welcomed by the same smile and spirited “hello” they have grown used to in the past.

Her unique warmness is part of what inspired the Faculty Fit Club and the Students Against Cancer to help. Aimee Marshall, instructional assistant and Faculty Fit sponsor, and Stephanie Fotiades-Troyer, English teacher at NHS, joined forces to orchestrate a  fund-raiser in the name of, not only Burtnett, but another Noblesville teacher battling breast cancer, Mary Glynn, an art teacher at Stoney Creek Elementary. They created the first annual “Kick Cancer’s 5K Dash” to be held at Noblesville High School on May 17.

“Our main focus is to raise money for cancer research and to raise money to start a charitable fund for teachers afflicted with this horrific illness,” said Fotiades-Troyer.

Burtnett said she’s is also very excited by the idea of money being raised for the school corporation in her honor. After this current school year ends, Burtnett has big plans for her retirement years. Those plans include a return to her Texas roots.

“You know I’ll go to the ranch,” Burtnett said. “I just love the goats.”

Students in Burtnett’s classes are often treated to accounts of her times and travels to Texas. With a smile, she recounts the time she has spent with family and the animals on the ranch that she owns. She often  accompanies the stories with a goat bleat. Although she has been excited for her future in the Lone Star State for years, she said it was hard to make the decision to retire. Why, when the easier choice is to retire, would she keep her day job? For Burtnett, the reason is clear.

“The kids, of course. You know I love the kids,” Burtnett said. “Do you realize how many neat kids are at this school?”

At the end of her career, Burtnett has not lost her passion as an educator.

“There are so many students I want to teach and things I want to learn,” Burtnett said. “We’re blessed by an administration that lets us explore and try new things.”

At the end of 23 years at NHS, Burtnett only has good things to say about her time here.

“We have a great place here, and it will stay great. When you look in the hall, you see how many kids are happy and not miserable. That’s something special.”