Teacher who served in education for 59 years honored at Garces Memorial High School

Oct. 9—In a world where simply watching the news can sometimes be depressing, a scene at Garces Memorial High School on Monday moved hundreds of people in the exact opposite direction — toward joy, optimism, admiration and gratitude.

Retired teacher Bob Zeimet was singled out and honored Monday for serving 59 extraordinary years in the classroom, 19 of them at Garces.

Following Monday's midday Mass on campus, more than 500 students streamed out of the service and formed two parallel lines along a walkway on the northeast Bakersfield campus.

When the 82-year-old veteran educator walked out of Monsignor Leddy Hall, where Mass had been celebrated by the Rev. David Lopez, Zeimet's face lit up.

As the students smiled and cheered, Zeimet walked between their rows like a humble hero, high-fiving students and soaking in the love.

"Grandpa, you're a star," Zeimet's granddaughter Mary Kate Paquette told her grandfather.

Minutes earlier, Garces Principal Noel Leon had personally thanked Zeimet for his "service to education."

She also noted that she had only recently learned that many students have affectionately referred to Zeimet as "Bobby Z."

Leon also read a letter from Bishop Joseph V. Brennan, of the Diocese of Fresno, honoring the retired teacher.

"Your dedication to children and their learning has helped so many go on to achieve their dreams and given them such a good start in life," Leon read from the bishop's letter. "But now, you deserve some time to put yourself first."

A field representative from Assemblyman Vince Fong's office was also present to read a proclamation from Fong, who was a student of Zeimet's when Zeimet taught science and physics at West High School.

Fong recalled in the proclamation that Zeimet taught three years in Iowa before "packing up the station wagon and heading to Bakersfield, Calif. with his young family in the summer of 1967."

He would teach 34 years at West and three more at Liberty High before retiring for the first time in 2004.

"After he retired, maybe two weeks after, he said to me, 'I hope I made the right decision,'" recalled his wife of 60 years, Karen Zeimet.

"I can remember saying, 'Oh, honey, maybe Garces will want you.' Would you believe within a week, Garces called him."

It had been just an off-the-cuff comment, but Zeimet didn't miss a beat, making a seamless transition from the Kern High School District to Garces.

Asked how he was able to show up to work, year-in and year-out, Zeimet was nonplussed.

"It's what I do," he said.

Officially retired since June, Zeimet said he's been doing some volunteer work, "and a little running now and then."

That may be an understatement. Zeimet has long been an avid runner, and plans to compete in the Bakersfield Marathon next year.

After the honor, respect and appreciation he received Monday at Garces, the veteran educator said the honor and attention was "gratifying."

Not one to toot his own horn, that may be more than enough.

Steven Mayer can be reached at 661-395-7353.