As the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, OCSA must say a bittersweet farewell to Mr and Mrs. McBride as they head off into their retirement. The two have been integrated into the OCSA family for years and have impacted the lives of countless students across campus.

Mr. McBride has been working at OCSA for seven years teaching both middle school honors science and highschool forensics. He mentioned how even before working here he always knew that OCSA was “the best school I could have ever have hoped to work at.” And ever since he has been building relationships with students who he hopes he inspired to never stop learning. Mrs. McBride, OCSA’s ESE teacher, also expressed similar sentiments. For the past three and a half years that she has been here, she has been diligently supporting her students and their learning styles. After retiring she hopes that her students continue to advocate for themselves and that “they’re not ashamed” to ask for the help that they need.

They both decided to retire so that they can be closer and care for their family. While they both expressed that they were going to miss the OCSA students and teachers that worked alongside them, they are excited for all the new things they’ll get to enjoy. Mr. McBride in particular stated that he’s excited to watch many sunrises and sunsets and spend more time on the beach. While on the other hand, Mrs. McBride is ready to channel her creative spirit by doing more painting and dancing. To kick off the fun, Mr. McBride even proposed retirement to Mrs. McBride during a staff meeting. This lightheartedly broke the news to all the teachers and staff that Mrs. McBride would be leaving alongside him.

While it is incredibly difficult for many OCSA students to say goodbye to these two beloved teachers, the school couldn’t be more excited for both Mr. and Mrs. McBride on this new chapter in their life. OCSA will miss them dearly but they will always be a part of the OCSA family.