I had the unique joy of covering the retirement of City council member Gordon Wade. Wade, who was one of my teachers at Washington High School, did serve for five mayoral administrations (Ott Frye, Leo Sullivan, Dave Abel, Tom Baumert and Abel again). He taught all of us that public service is important in our democracy. He showed us students not with words alone, but with participation and representation.

We should all thank Wade for his service. It was a pleasure covering him.

—Nate Smith