Evelyn Margolin celebrates the fall harvest season with Cameron Ranch Elementary School students. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – There’s an old saying that teachers never really retire.

Evelyn Margolin is a case in point.

In 2022, the special education teacher emptied her desk and ended a 39-year teaching career. Within months, she was back at Cameron Ranch Elementary School with sleeves rolled up.

First as a staff teacher, now as a volunteer, Margolin has spent more than 25 years teaching children to make plants grow; to beautify the environment; to produce food and improve the soil. Her Cameron Ranch outdoor classroom is called “Margolin’s Garden of Learning.”

Fourteen verdant veggie beds and countless lessons learned in the garden are the pride of San Juan Unified School District. In October, the San Juan Education Foundation awarded Margolin with a STARS Legacy award. STARS honorees reflect the spirit of commitment, excellence and leadership fostered by a San Juan Unified education.

Evelyn Margolin (with a bouquet) receives Legacy honors at the San Juan Education Foundation's Oct. 10 gala. Fellow awardees are Child Protective Services leader Melissa Lloyd (left), Link Logistics representative Graeme Coyle, author Joanna Rowland and wrestler Josh Emmett.

The award came as a surprise to Margolin during the foundation’s recent fundraising gala in October.

“I was very honored,” said Margolin. “But I feel my work is important. Kids need to be outside, getting their hands in the dirt and connecting with nature.”

Nature presented its own learning curve for the retired teacher.

“I’d never really been a gardener,” Margolin said. “I was asked to take over an area of clay, weeds and a few beds. I did it so that kids with special needs could show their talents. Eventually, I realized all students would benefit from the experience.”

Margolin’s husband, Gary Slavit, a retired business consultant and college instructor, got raked into the effort.

“Gary runs around with me on weekends, shopping for the garden,” said Margolin. “He helps me write grants for funding. Our own yard is tiny, so we don’t do much yard work at home.”

The Sacramento resident dons leather gloves and mentors students three days a week. Her project has secured more than $50,000 in grant funding. While the school district rejoices, students are the biggest beneficiaries.

Retired teacher Evelyn Margolin has given her name to the Cameron Ranch Elementary School Garden.

“The kids appreciate the hands-on nature of this learning. They also love eating fresh vegetables that they grow. We cook them up in the classroom, so they also learn healthy ways to prepare food,” Margolin said. “The boys like hunting for bugs. Everyone enjoys filling beds with compost they’ve had a hand in preparing; they understand how it makes things grow strong. In fall, we have a harvest festival. We celebrate the wonderful food our garden gives us.”

San Juan Education Foundation executive director Colleen Cadwallader considers Margolin a perfect choice for the organization’s 2025 Legacy Award.

“Evelyn didn’t just invest 39 years as teacher,” Cadwallader said. “She brought a green space to kids who might not otherwise have access to nature. This helps them think better, feel calmer and be healthier. Evelyn’s lessons create advocates and stewards for our planet. They are her legacy.”

The volunteer revels in retirement with vocation.

“We’ve created a special place with a special purpose,” said Margolin. “I’m giving back to the Cameron Ranch community that I love so much.”