Left to right: Janelle Oberle, Tammy Sweet, and Amy Senkyr
The hallways of St. Clair Elementary will feel a little quieter this fall, and the first-grade wing will certainly look different. In a rare and poignant coincidence, three cornerstones of the Cyclone family—Janelle Oberle, Tammy Sweet, and Amy Senkyr—are hanging up their school bags together, marking the end of a combined 76-year legacy of education, laughter, and lifelong impacts.
Affectionately dubbed the “Geriatric Charlie’s Angels” by those who know their tight-knit bond, these three educators have spent decades shaping the youngest minds in the community. While the administration will work to fill their positions once the 2025-2026 school year concludes, the triple threat of experience and heart these three leave behind is, by all accounts, irreplaceable.
For Oberle, the path to the classroom was paved by family. Growing up in an environment that valued education and serving in roles like Sunday School teacher, Oberle knew early on that she wanted to nurture the “love of learning” in children. After earning her degree from Minnesota State University (MSU) with a minor in Early Childhood, she dedicated 36 years to St. Clair.
Amy Senkyr shared a similar lifelong calling. “I always wanted to pursue it,” she reflected, noting a childhood spent babysitting and watching her own mother teach. After graduating from St. Cloud State and spending a decade running a daycare, Senkyr transitioned to the classroom full-time, spending 23 years as a mainstay at St. Clair.
Tammy Sweet’s journey was the “second act” that became a primary passion. Initially pursuing a business degree and working for USAA in Texas, Sweet found her true calling while subbing in Lake Crystal. Encouraged by staff who recognized her natural teaching talent, she returned to MSU to pursue Elementary Education with a middle school focus, graduating in 2007. She has spent the last 17 years as a dedicated educator at St. Clair.
Despite their varying backgrounds, the trio shared a core philosophy: a child cannot learn if they do not feel safe. “At the start of every school year, the priority is building a community,” Oberle explained. “Kindness and friendship come first. If they are comfortable, they are open to learning.”
Sweet echoed this sentiment, emphasizing rapport. “I want them to know there are no wrong answers as long as you keep trying. We learn and explore together.” Senkyr rounded out the approach by focusing on the acceptability of mistakes and the importance of structure. “Building routines and having that family atmosphere eases teaching core subjects like math and social studies.”
The three have seen the landscape of education shift dramatically. From the transition from paper files to digital systems to the double-edged blade of classroom technology, they have navigated it all. “The systems for math and reading change, and technology plays a huge role now,” Sweet noted, “but you still need that hands-on experience.”
Through every curriculum shift, Oberle says the fundamental goal remained the same: “Helping them understand problems and find solutions rather than showing them. They still need that social side of development.”
The decision to retire together wasn’t entirely a coincidence; it was actually a sort of pinky promise kept between friends.”We made mentions of it last year that this could be the ‘last dance,'” Senkyr said. For all three, the timing felt right. Oberle is ready to trade school schedules for travel and her growing family; Sweet is retiring alongside her husband to tackle a long to-do list and care for her 82-year-old mother; and Senkyr is looking forward to autumn trips and spending time with her grandson in Minneapolis.
The reaction from the community has been a mix of joy and heartache. “Parents were surprised and even asked us to stay for ‘one more student,'” Senkyr laughed.
As they prepare to walk out of the St. Clair doors as employees for the last time, they wanted to express their gratitude to those who supported the “crazy balancing act” of a teaching career. Oberle thanked her family for their patience with the long hours and her colleagues for their unwavering support. Sweet offered a special mention to Elementary Principal Holland, noting, “It was great to see her growth alongside us.” Senkyr likewise credited Holland as an “amazing ally” and thanked her family for putting up with the busy life of a teacher.
“What I’ll miss most are those opening weeks with a new batch of kids,” Oberle admitted. “But seeing a former student reach out and hug you years later… that’s how you know you made a difference,” Sweet added.
The “Angels” may be leaving the building, but for hundreds of former Cyclones, the lessons of kindness, resilience, and community instilled by these three dedicated educators will remain forever.
