After more than 20 years of service in a variety of roles at Britton-Hecla School, Carol Beck retired at the end of the school year, leaving behind a legacy of care, commitment and impact on students. Her absence is already being felt—even by the youngest learners.
“One kindergartener came up to me in the lunchroom and asked, ‘Who is going to take care of us?’” Beck recalled with a smile. “That’s when it really hit me.”
Beck’s journey with children began long before she stepped into the school building. She operated a home daycare for 23 years before joining Britton-Hecla as a paraeducator working with elementary special education students. From there, her roles expanded to include lunchroom supervisor, program director, and ultimately, food service director.
“Carol has most certainly been part of the fabric at B-H,” said Britton-Hecla Elementary Principal Kyla Richter. “From the Special Education Department to the Funtastic After-School Program and finally the kitchen, she has done it all. We will miss her fun, creative spirit!”
“I always loved working with kids,” said Beck. “Having one-on-one time with them was so rewarding.”
When Britton-Hecla received a three-year grant to run a summer program, Beck took the lead, organizing a six-week session filled with learning and fun. After the grant ended, she continued her efforts through the newly formed afterschool Funtastic Club, a program she led for 15 years and described as her favorite part of the job.
“I wanted to give kids new experiences and keep learning fun,” Beck said. “We celebrated things like Cinco de Mayo and Chinese New Year to open their eyes to different cultures.”
“In her most current role, Carol held an ‘I Hate Winter’ themed week, Dr. Seuss days, Super Bowl goodies and other fun activities,” added Richter. “She was always willing to try new things and make it enjoyable for the kids. Carol goes out of her way to make people feel special.”
Four years ago, Beck took on a new challenge as the district’s food service director—a role that required navigating the complexities of the federal student lunch program. “There are mountains of paperwork and the rules are constantly changing,” she said. “It was a big adjustment.”
Beck’s impact on those around her became especially evident during a personal battle this past year, when she was diagnosed with cancer. The school community, led by the student council, rallied around her with a coin drive to raise funds and emotional support.
“I don’t like the limelight,” she admitted, “but I was touched.” Much to her chagrin, she even got to hold the banner the football team ran through and got hugs from the players.
One of Beck’s fondest memories is her time spent as the sixth-grade librarian, where she challenged students with classic literature like Mark Twain and Charles Dickens stories. One graduating senior, Kendall Knudson, later told her that those reading sessions were some of his most memorable school moments.
Beck said she always focused on teaching “the little lessons that get you through life,” like respect, kindness, and politeness.
Now, in retirement, Beck looks forward to slowing down—at least a little.
“First off, I want to do nothing!” she laughed. “I’ll spend more time at the lake, enjoy the summer without worrying about school starting in August, and maybe work on my container gardening.” She also plans to explore more greenhouses with her friend and other teacher retiree Gretchen Christenson and even “make some trouble together.” And when hockey season rolls around, she and her husband hope to take in more UND games.
She also plans to volunteer with Friends of the Library, help out at school when she can, and continue working with children as she feels up to it.
“I may be retired, but I still see myself working with young people in some way,” Beck said. “It’s just part of who I am.”
