Tom Tibbot, who retired as principal from the South Butler Intermediate Elementary School in August, stands with the quilt sewn for him by the PTO.

JEFFERSON TWP — Tom Tibbot, South Butler Intermediate Elementary School principal for 41 years and an educator for 48 years, was honored with a memorial quilt when he retired in August. Its center square is embroidered with the words generations of students heard Tibbot speak:

“The choices you make today will shape your world tomorrow!”

“That not only applies to youngsters,” Tibbot said from his home. “It applies to everyone.”

Tibbot, who is taking time to relax and smell the flowers, wanted students to think beyond right and wrong and to consider the consequences of their actions, he said.

“The PTO wanted to honor Mr. Tibbot for his 48 years as an educator,” said Deborah Steiner, 2011-12 PTO president.

The PTO distributed quilt squares to PTO members, staff and administrators for decoration. Steiner pieced the squares together.

Tibbot was recruited to be the principal at the Saxonburg Elementary School in 1971, which is now the South Butler Intermediate Elementary School, after stints as a Peace Corps volunteer and as a teacher in the North Allegheny School District in Pittsburgh. He stayed because he fell in love with the district, he said.

“I fell in love with my students, their parents, the staff and the administration,” Tibbot said.

He believes teachers today have “a tremendous responsibility” as they try and personalize their instruction to meet the needs of each child, based on test data.

As for himself, he hopes for good health and time for personal projects.

“I do know Sunday evening is a very nice day of the week because I don’t have to go to work Monday,” he said.