Surprise Party for retiring music educator

DAYTON - Waitsburg's music teacher Elizabeth Arebalos-Jagelski walked into the Dayton Liberty Theater's annex with plans to practice lines for the upcoming play but instead found the room packed with well-wishers at a surprise retirement party on Tuesday, June 9.

Party organizers, including Waitsburg teacher Brenda Henderson, managed to keep the event a secret, leaving Jagelski completely jaw-droppingly surprised.

Henderson had a few secret guests hidden in the back room, so Jagelski could play "guess the guest." Each guest would sing a few lines, speak a few words, and Jagelski would laugh, cry, or scream as she recognized the voice.

The surprise guests included her only sister, Dee Arebalos, from Spokane, as well as her aunt, a cousin, and nieces from across the state.

Jagelski's father and her husband, Tom, were also there for the surprise. They were joined by Tom's daughter, Nikki, and her son, Emilio, who traveled from San Antonio, Texas.

Guests included close family and a childhood friend. Teachers from Waitsburg and Walla Walla schools, and her Liberty Theater family, were also there to celebrate.

"When Elizabeth said she was going to retire, I knew I wanted to do something special for my friend who has taught for 41 years. So, I told Tom, 'Open up your checkbook, Tom.' Luckily, there were so many others who helped make that day special. Several people brought salads, and others who traveled from all over just to make that day special for her. I loved how all of her 'families' were together. I think she was truly surprised," said Henderson.