Anna Maria Elementary School is saying goodbye to two long-term staff members as they head into retirement.
Dr. Laura Redeker, an educator with more than 20 years of experience, and Vicki Dunning, the school’s nurse for more than 18 years, will retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
“Dr. Redeker and Nurse Vicki have been invaluable members of our Anna Maria Elementary staff,” AME principal Katie Fradley said. “Their care, kindness and dedication have touched so many lives.”
Redeker began her teaching career in Manatee County in 1997 and began at Anna Maria Elementary in 2009 after working at Ballard and Daughtrey grade schools.
During her 16 years at AME, Redeker taught kindergarten through third-grade and most recently served as the school support specialist, a role focused on academic support and student success.
“I was called to education, just like a priest is called to service,” Redeker told The Islander May 14. “My mom was in education in Manatee County for several decades. I always knew that I had to work with kids.”
She reflected on her time working with AME students: “Kids come with their own backpack full of experiences and it shapes everything you do. I have felt so supported and so cared about in this community. It’s truly been an absolute highlight of my life.”
In retirement, Redeker plans to spend more time in northern Michigan with her husband and mother-in-law. She also intends to continue work in education by serving on the board of directors for Step Up Suncoast, a Sarasota-based nonprofit that supports children and families living in poverty.
Also retiring is Vicki Dunning, affectionately known at the little school by the bay as “Nurse Vicki.”
Dunning became a licensed practical nurse at age 50 and celebrated her 80th birthday last year. For nearly two decades, she’s been the first friendly face many students see when they don’t feel well — offering bandages, comforting words and a touch of grandmotherly care.
“It’s a good place,” Dunning said of AME. “I love AME, they are my family.”
Now, she looks forward to spending more time with her own growing family, which includes two daughters, four grandsons, a great-grandson and another great-grandchild on the way.
Dunning also plans to volunteer at her church, First Baptist of Palmetto.
Both Redeker and Dunning spoke warmly of the affection they received from students over the years.
“Kids can’t fake it. They can fake illness,” Dunning joked. “But they can’t fake affection.”
“It’s all love,” Redeker said. “That’s the part I am going to miss the most … the absolute affection that we get from these little ones here.”
They also shared the joy of teaching multiple generations of the same families, a testament to their longstanding presence in the community.
Fradley said, “We are deeply grateful for all they’ve given and will miss them more than words can say.”
To honor their years of service, AME placed a “Memory Treasure Box” in the front office and invited students, parents, staff and community members to leave notes, memories and well-wishes.
The last day of classes before summer break at AME is May 29.
The last day for staff at AME is May 30.