By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
When Laverne Lewis graduated from Waterford High School in 1970, the plan was to become a flight attendant, or a ticket agent.
She’d just finished her training in August of 1971 when then-Waterford Superintendent Ken Carter called and asked for some help.
“I was asked by the superintendent to come back and help run football programs, because the business ed teacher couldn’t figure out how to run the ink machine,” Lewis recalled. “I was in between going from airline school (and work).”
A week later, Carter called back, encouraging her to apply for an open library position at the high school.
The rest is history – and soon to be a wrap, at that. Lewis will retire June 30 after 44 years at the school in various departments.
“She has been a key ingredient in Waterford High School,” said WUHS Superintendent Keith Brandstetter. “She has been a key member in making the high school work.
“She does a lot of work behind the scenes.”
Lewis never went back to the airline business – and never regretted it, she said Tuesday.
“Not at all,” she said. “This has been a wonderful career.”
Lewis has worked in just about every department in the school – library, athletics, the main office and attendance.
She had no particular stories or memories, but instead focused on what she’d done with the students.
“It’s been a great career for me,” she said.
Brandstetter said that Lewis would always be the first person to step up – whether it be to throw a baby shower for a coworker, or to lend a student lunch money.
“She’d be, ‘Sure, I can take care of that,’” he said. “Just very dedicated, committed to the school – whether it was students or staff.
“She’ll be missed.”
Lewis couldn’t hold back the tears Tuesday while she contemplated an end to 44 years of work.
“I feel I’ve fulfilled my career, and it’s time to do something else,” she said. She expected to spend the summer with her children and grandchildren – and figure out the future after that.
But she knew she was leaving on a good note.
“I’ve always asked for respect from the students – and every student has given me respect, and I’ve given them respect back,” she said. “Students have come in all week and thanked me for the job I’ve done, and that they’ll miss me, and how fair I’ve been to them.”
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As a substitute teacher for the high school, I will miss hearing her voice waking me up in the morning asking me to come in. It has been an honor working with LaVerne these last eight and a half years.
I am so proud of Laverne!! 44 years at a job is unheard of in today’s society!!! But more than that I am so proud to be a small part of her life……. she has done so much for so many and I know deep in my heart SHE IS NOT DONE!!!!! I have no clue what is up her sleeve but I do know no cobwebs will form around her!!! To Laverne I say LIVE TO be 100!! And make everyday special for someone who is connected to you if even through a smile!!!! God Bless you ….in all you do!!!! The world needs more like you!!!!
Best of Luck Laverne !
Congratulations Mrs. Lewis! When I think back on my years at WHS, you were a very prominent part of it. I wish you all the best for your next stage of life! Tiffany Johnston Mercer, Class of ’89.
retirement is Great…but you will miss the wonderful relationship and friendships you have established! Some will be happily missed! Enjoy and we hope to see you at the sporting events.
I have know her since I have been little, she is a great person always there for everyone and give the shirt right off her back it sad she is not going to be at school anymore she will be missed and it will be hard to fill her shoes. You are loved mrs. Lewis
Great work Laverne! Enjoy retirement.
Well what I can I say! She has seen her two daughters, her son-in and many nieces and nephews come through the door and one great-nephew start his highschool year! She is an inspiration to ALL of us who know her! Grandma Longo would be proud!!! WE ARE ALSO SO PROUD OF HER!!! YOU ARE SUCH A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL TO US ALL!!!
Thank you Laverne for your service to all of the students that have walked the halls of WHS the last 44 years. You were always kind to us. Best of luck on you future endeavors.
LaVerne, you are amazing, I always had a great time working with you on after school games and numerous other activities. Enjoy your retirement, you will be missed… Joan Stewart….Stewie!
Congrats Mrs Lewis enjoy your retirement!! Peggy Kendall Dolge
It was a pleasure to work for such a delightful lady when I assisted in the office. The students and their families of Waterford all benefited from her experience and dedication! Enjoy your retirement Laverne 🙂