When Christine Yocum walked into the gymnasium of Love Elementary School on Monday afternoon, she had no idea what was coming next.

During a regularly scheduled all-school assembly to honor the school’s fourth graders, the entire school turned into a flash mob set to Rusted Root’s “Send Me On My Way” to “send” Yocum, a mainstay at Love for the last two decades, toward her next adventure: retirement.

“I’m never at a loss for words, but I am now,” said Yocum, who has served Jamestown Public Schools and Love Elementary School for 22 years. A longtime fourth grade teacher, Yocum spent the 2024-25 school year as a math interventionist. Recognizable to every student, she has also helped lead spirit assemblies in the building for generations of Love students.

Monday’s assembly came as a complete surprise. Unbeknownst to Yocum, students rehearsed the music and choreography — complete with colorful scarves — with third grade teacher Lori Cobb and music teacher Anne Dolce and were sworn to secrecy.

“I cherish this school and everyone in it,” Yocum told the students following the surprise. “I want you to always do your very best and make something of yourself, because that’s what my job has been for. To help you become better people, better students. I will leave here knowing that hopefully I made a difference in some of your lives, because you’ve made a difference in mine.”