By Leah Miller
The Children’s Learning Program launched in 1980, and there’s one woman who has been there each and every year, watching generations of preschool students grow up.
Pat Medjesky will retire at the end of this school year after 35 years in various roles at CLP, a ministry of Zionsville United Methodist Church. CLP has been a part of thousands of families lives, from its first location at the building that now houses Zionsville Town Hall to its 2001 move to Whitestown Road.
During her time at CLP, Medjesky has cared for and nurtured children ranging in age from babies to pre-K. She began her career rocking babies in the one-year-old room, where she and co-teacher Betty Bohac – now retired – became known throughout town for their ability to calm infants and reassure their parents.
For the last three years, Medjesky has been teaching Pre-K students.
“She has enriched so many children’s lives and has been responsible for giving them a solid foundation as they began their preschool education,” said Chris Miller, a 30-year CLP teacher. “It is because of teachers like Pat that CLP has grown into the school it is today.”
Because of teachers like Medjesky, CLP can celebrate 35 years of success in Zionsville.
“One reason we sent our son, Truman, to CLP is the same reason we love the town of Zionsville: this is a place that is home, that is family,” said parent Adrianne Smith. “The thoughtful, loving quality of care is the same as it has been for decades. Zionsville has grown over the years, as has CLP, however the essence remains the same.”
During her time at CLP, Medjeksy put her own children go through the program and more recently saw her granddaughter attend. Although she will no longer be a daily presence at the school, the CLP teachers and staff are committed to continuing her legacy of devotion.
