Watonga Elementary held a retirement party Tuesday for longtime teacher and coach Renee Ross. Dozens of Ross’ co-workers and family members, many of whom she taught herself, gathered in the school library for the celebration. Ross was with the district for 41 years. “I came back home (to teach) because I loved it,” Ross told the group. “I thought I could make a difference in Watonga. People say, why did you stay this long? Because I love it. I love it here. I love being an Eagle. I loved everything about it.” Ross found out during her party that she has been selected the 2020-2021 Watonga Public Schools District Teacher of the Year.