The Panther Valley School Board on Thursday bid farewell to longtime teacher Charles Depuy.

DePuy is retiring, closing the book on 39 years of teaching.A 1969 graduate of Panther Valley, DePuy joined the school district as an elementary substitute in 1973. He then taught remedial math and reading to elementary and middle school students and seventh grade math."He served as acting principal of the middle school, he wrote curriculum for us, he was a mentor, a detention monitor, an assistant department head," said Superintendent Rosemary Porembo. "He has done everything."DePuy also coached track and field and boys basketball.DePuy also mentored Porembo when she joined the district."He has always been there as support," she said.High School Principal Joseph Gunnels said the district would give a "$500 scholarship in DePuy's name each year to a well-rounded student, who is accepted to a four-year institution and consistently demonstrates academic excellence, involvement in co-curricular and community activities, volunteerism, professionalism, integrity, honesty, respect for others, politeness and a good sense of humor - all other virtues Charlie embodies."The board presented DePuy with a certificate. He accepted the honor, and then gathered his family - wife Jeana and children Dr. Amy and son Charlie - to take them to a celebratory dinner.