Wilson Delphi Community Middle School social studies and U.S. history teacher Charles T. Wilson retired at the end of the 2009 school year after a 38-year teaching career.

"I became a teacher because I enjoy history, government and working with young people," Wilson said. "I wanted to instill in students an appreciation for the country and its history."

Teaching also gave Wilson an opportunity to pursue a military career. In 1998 he retired from the Army Reserves after attaining the rank of lieut enant colonel.

Wilson, a native of Carlisle, graduated from Carlisle High School and Indiana State University in Terre Haute. He started his teaching career in the Delphi Community School Corporation in 1971 and has taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade social studies and U.S. history ever since.

He has served as a sponsor for the middle school honor society, student council and as the middle school social studies department chairman.

Wilson and his wife, Elaine, a second-grade teacher at Delphi Community Elementary School, reside in rural Delphi. They have one son, Thomas D. Wilson.

Wilson said that his future plans include spending more time with his family in Florida and closely following his son's Air Force career.