October 27, 2004

TCAPS honors volunteer gem

Pearl Faist celebrates 60 years with Traverse City Area Public Schools and 90th birthday

By
Herald staff writer

      Pearl Faist, a fixture in the Traverse City Area Public School system for 60 years, isn't planning much of a celebration for her 90th birthday next week.
      "Everyone just makes too much of it," said Faist who spent 35 years as the Central High School librarian from 1944-1979 and 14 more years volunteering at the administration building.
      After retiring in 1979, Faist found that having "not much to do" didn't suit her.
      "I kept myself busy, but in 1990 I had nothing to do for several months and it really bothered me. That's when I stopped in to see Jim Tompkins who was mayor at the time - and a former student - and told him I wanted to do some volunteering. The next day his wife, Ida called and told me she had lots of work in the office here and I've had the job ever since," said Faist who works 20 to 30 hours each week.
      Working in the library, Faist came in contact with nearly all of the students who attended Central High School over more than three decades.
      "I see students all the time, some I recognize right away, but most I can't put a name on because it has been a while. It is fun to see how they have changed," Faist said.
      Even if she doesn't remember all of their names, students who attended Central High school while she was the librarian remember Pearl.
      "It's unbelievable how many school employees are former students of Pearl, it is just wonderful," said Patty Brzezinski, assistant to superintendent James Pavelka.
      Brzezinski, who attended Central High School in the 60s remembers Faist as someone who always went out of her way to help students.
      "She totally enjoyed sharing her wealth of knowledge about books. She was more than willing to spend time helping with research and pointing you in the right direction," Brzezinski said.
      While students like Brzezinski recall Faist with fond memories, she also has only good things to say about her tenure.
      "I had such a good time in the library in the years I was there. I have said, more than once, that Traverse City gave me the best years of my life," Faist said.
      Former students, faculty and community members are encouraged to send 90th birthday greetings to Pearl c/o TCAPS, PO Box 32, Traverse City, MI 49685.