Not everyone gets 41 years in a job they absolutely love, Linda Bleile said.

On June 18, at her last eighth grade graduation as Wiscasset Middle School's principal, Bleile got flowers, accolades and a standing ovation.

“I'm just overwhelmed,” she said following the ceremonies, in which 51 eighth graders got their certificates of completion.

Near the close of the event inside the school gym, staff, students and others honored Bleile. She is retiring from the school where she spent her entire career as an educator, first as a teacher, then principal.

The honors for the past Maine Principals Association president included a sentiment that Maine Sen. Chris Johnson (D-Somerville) delivered from the state legislature.

Bleile's enthusiasm and ideas have touched generations, Johnson told the crowd before he read the sentiment. The document cited Bleile's commitment to Maine's youth.

Members of American Legion Post 54 in Wiscasset also honored Bleile. Post Commander William Cossette Jr. noted she had been a part of his children's and his grandchildren's educations.

“Well, saying thank you hardly seems adequate for all of that recognition, but a huge thank you for all of you,” Bleile said minutes later.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this position ... I will miss you all, but it's time to leave before everybody says, 'When is she ever going to leave.'”

The night's graduation highlighted students' accomplishments and their memories of their years at WMS.

Student Council President Lindsey Gordon said she and her classmates had started out scared of the eighth graders. This year, she said, “We are the scary eighth graders. We are the cherry on top.”