Emotional farewell: Ekkehard Götting is retiring

Emotional farewell: Ekkehard Götting is retiring

On July 13, 2025, it was time to say goodbye to a valued headmaster of the vocational schools in Eschwege. Ekkehard Götting retired after nine years, but his work will continue to resonate in the region for a long time. He worked in the school service for over 40 years, including more than 30 years in various management positions. This impressive career was recognized with an emotional celebration on the school grounds.

Students opened the ceremony with a vocal contribution. They interpreted “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane, which gave goosebumps right from the start. Götting, known as a committed educator, has always supported vocational training in the region. His role as a mentor to numerous trainee teachers over the decades is unforgettable; almost half of the staff studied with him.

Appreciation and thanks

In her speech, District Administrator Nicole Rathgeber emphasized how reliable Götting was as a partner and what creative power he brought with him. Dirk Beulshausen from the State Education Authority also emphasized the collegial relationship and positive cooperation. “He always had an open ear for his students and was a person who never lost his sense of humor,” praised the student council.

A special highlight of the farewell was the humorous and poetic look back from his colleagues, who presented Götting's time as headmaster in the form of a “school calendar”. Andreas Althen, his long-time deputy, summed it up: “Ekkehard Götting was not only a strong and integrity leader, but also a person you could always rely on.” Emotions became palpable with these words: the school community said goodbye to Götting with a standing ovation.

A new beginning

Ekkehard Götting's successor is now taken over by Imke Carl, who is known as the head of the department for the vocational high school and the vocational school in the area of ​​business. She will take over from him the honorary position of spokesman for SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT Werra-Meißner, which Götting held for over 15 years. Carl plans to build strong bridges between school and business and promote practical career orientation. At a time when the shortage of skilled workers is a major challenge, their commitment will be particularly important.

Götting was awarded the silver badge of honor for his services in 2024. Frauke Syring and Jens Nähler, managing directors of SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT Nordhessen, recently honored him and emphasized the essential role that such speakers play for the professional future of young people.

In conclusion, it should be noted that Götting shaped an era with heart and humor that will not be quickly forgotten in Eschwege. His commitment to education remains a lasting legacy in the region.

For those interested: Germany as an educational location is characterized by a federal system. While the federal states take care of educational policy, standards and structures vary greatly. Compulsory schooling usually begins in the year the child reaches the age of six and extends across various school types that are geared towards different educational goals. bpb.de offers comprehensive information on this.

We wish Ekkehard Götting all the best for his new phase of life and look forward to the new impulses that Imke Carl will provide.

Further information can be found at hna.de and arbeitgeber-nordhessen.de.