Judy started teaching Home Economics in Royal Oak in 1973. Her first seven years were spent moving around from Addams Jr. High to Mary Lyons to Keller and Barton Jr. High. Although moving from building to building was difficult at the time she found that it provided some wonderful experiences. After teaching Special Ed. at Upton for a year Judy settled in at Dondero for 21 years. She loved teaching Academic Support at Dondero so much that she didn't even mind driving to and from Lapeer every day! She and her family enjoy their fifteen acres called "Sweets' Farm and Gardens" in the country and now Judy will have more time for her flower business - selling potted perennials, cut flowers, framed pressed flower pieces and jewelry.

Here's a poem written for Judy by Nanci Marek:

JUDY SWEET 

How can you stay so calm my friend?

When your time with us is about to end

Dondero will surely be boring

Without you in the school soaring

Your endeavor began as a Home Ec Teacher

But, you discovered more talents that you featured

Arranging flowers, making ornaments and earrings,

Gardening and juggling a family schedule displays your true feelings.

Mid-way you changed your path

And helped students study in subjects like math.

Your students were always number one,

Even when your day was done.

During lunch we always had a hoot

Taking tons of pictures like you were at a photo shoot.

Going to Niki’s or Coney Island was fun too,

Especially with a friend like you.

As president of a sorority,

I knew ADK was the place to be.

When organizing meetings and fundraisers you were the best,

And your lunches were non-like the rest.

To your gardens you would go to get away,

From a very long and busy day.

And on top of all that, you sing in your church choir,

With all the things that you do are you sure you are ready to retire.

Your husband, three sons and daughter too,

Have always loved and supported you.

Now when you are sitting at your cottage drinking your tea,

Remember at the school is where I will be.

Thinking of you wishing you were here,

Trying not to shed a single tear.

Not only are you important to your family,

But to all the students, faculty and especially me. 

Written by:  Nanci Marek