The children of Mike Hicks of Springville invite friends, staff, colleagues and former students to an open house on the occasion of Hick's retirement from education. It will be held on Friday, June 27, 2008 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville.

After he leaves education, Hicks is looking forward to vacationing with his wife across his home state of Idaho. Those roots got him into teaching in the first place.

"I had some great teachers who inspired me when I was a kid back in high school," Hicks said.

He first taught history and social studies in Salmon, Idaho, for nine years and has been a school administrator for the past 29.

Hicks received the Wyoming 1990 Principal of the Year, and formerly lived in Salmon, Idaho, and Lyman, Wyoming.

He teared up as he said he will miss the students the most, as he's cruising in his motor home.

According to Hicks, the best part about his career is working with the kids. "The kids are always the best part of this profession. They give you energy. They keep you young," he said.

As a principal, he liked to talk to his students and he hopes that he helped change their lives for the better.

He is very busy in his church and enjoys fishing, camping, traveling, wood working, hiking and yard work. He is married to Roberta, and they reside in Springville. They have eight children and 42 grandchildren.