Janine Kearney did not hesitate to answer this question.
So, what are you going to do with your retirement?
“I plan to travel, attend music festivals, and spend time with my dog, Leo. We will go for many walks,’ Ms. Kearney revealed when she bids farewell on June 19 to Bridgewater-Raritan High School after 26 years teaching Chemistry.
She and her husband, Jim, will also make their annual fall trips to MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands, home of the New York Football Giants. They are the owners of two season tickets to the NFL team at MetLife Stadium.
“We are looking forward to them winning some games at some point in the future,” Ms. Kearney added.
And then she happily brought up one more important item in her answer about retirement.
“I'm going to sleep in.”
Yes, the bell sounds early at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and now Ms. Kearney doesn't have to set her alarm clock anymore in her home in East Amwell Township.
Ms. Kearney spent 20 of her 26 years teaching AP Chemistry at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, a period that she deeply cherished.
“It was a pleasure to teach the best and brightest students Bridgewater-Raritan had to offer,” Ms. Kearney declared.
Before she came to Bridgewater-Raritan, Ms. Kearney taught for four years at Bernards High School and three years previously at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin.
She also enjoyed her role as the Advisor to the New Jersey Science League team, a position she served in for 15 years at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
“That was a lot of fun. We had plenty of students win awards, and some years we had students and teams finish No. 1 in the state,” she said. “Our Biology team ended up No. 1 in the competition this year.”
She will leave 600 Garretson Road with fond memories.
“ It was a pleasure to work with so many talented teachers and our wonderful supervisor, Mike Herbst,” Ms. Kearney claimed.
According to Mr. Herbst, the Supervisor of Science Grades 6-12 for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, the feeling was mutual.
"Janine has always been a shining example to her colleagues and students alike. She approached every challenge with grace, integrity, and unwavering commitment,” Mr. Herbst stated. “Beyond her expertise, it was her genuine care for every student that truly made a difference—always patient, understanding, and encouraging, Janine helped countless young minds grow not just academically but as individuals.”
Mr. Herbst continued with his touching sendoff.
“Janine's dedication to teaching has been inspiring. She has poured her heart into each workday, shaping the future one student at a time. Janine Kearney's passion for education and her belief in the potential of each student have left an indelible mark on our community."
Ms. Kearney shared a final thought.
“I will miss it.”
But she’ll not miss that alarm clock sounding off each morning.