Retirement of Bluejay Staff
Pierce High Retires Their Long Loved Secretary: LuAnn Prahl.
By Alanna McKeown
Pierce High’s beloved secretary, LuAnn Prahl, will retire after 33 years of working for the school. Prahl does anything and everything to make Pierce High run smoothly.
She decided to retire because her grandkids are getting older, and she wants to be able to attend their different activities. One of her grandkids is actually graduating from high school shortly. She also wants to do a lot of traveling because she still has her health.
Her favorite part about working at PHS is the kids. The school is her home. Socially, she could go to any game, any concert, any play, if she needed something done in the shop, they would help her out with anything. Prahl loves all the students equally, some of them she just gets to know better than others.
“There are always two sides to a story. So be wise enough to investigate and get to the truth of the matter. Don’t believe everything that is put in front of you and don't listen to everything you hear. Make sure you get to the truth about things. I want this world to be a better place for you kids to grow up in just like I did,” Prahl says.
Once she is officially retired she will do a lot of things around her house that she put off for decades. She has done a lot of projects that she was going to get done when her kids were little. She is a worker, so she will stay busy to occupy herself.
“There are many things I like about working with Mrs. Prahl. I would say she is one of the hardest, most consistent workers I've ever worked with,” principal Mark Brahmer states. “She is consistent in terms of the effort she brings to her job, the positive energy she brings to our school and students, and the calm demeanor in which she goes about her duties. She handles stressful situations very well and is able to do everything with a smile and a positive attitude. Ms. Prahl is also kind, polite, respectful, and caring. She genuinely cares about other people and always puts the needs of other people above hers. I am always amazed at her high level of intellect and her ability to remember everything she has to do and what everyone else, both students and staff, have to do on a daily basis. I have been quite fortunate to work with her for 31 years.”
Celebrating 26 Years of Dedication: Celine Fehringer Says Goodbye
By Brayden Suckstorf
After 26 years of inspiring students and supporting the school’s music program, one of our most cherished staff members, Celine Fehringer, is saying goodbye and stepping into an earned retirement.
When asked what has made her time here so special, she didn’t hesitate, saying, “Interacting with the students and, of course, the music.” She’s been an essential part of the choir program for decades and says being involved in it has been one of the highlights of her career.
But it was not just about music.
“The diversity of my job, just everything, that’s what I’ve loved. Every day was different,” Fehringer stated.
Though she’s worked with thousands of students over the years, she could not pick a favorite. “They’re all my favorites,” she said with a smile.
She plans to enjoy more time with her family, especially attending her grandchildren’s events, such as sporting events and plays.
As for why she is retiring now, her husband retired a month ago, and they decided to retire together and enjoy life.
Her dedication, creativity, and care have left a lasting mark on our school’s community. We wish her all the best in her next chapter, and thank her for the music, memories, and the many years of service.
Kim Weber says Goodbye to Pierce High
By Cameron John Kuehler
After three awesome years at Pierce High School, Kim Weber is retiring. Though her time here at Pierce was short, she has been a big part of the school, and both students and staff are going to miss her a lot.
When asked what her favorite thing about Pierce was, she said, “The kids and the staff.” That answer pretty much sums up how much she cares about the people here. When she was asked if she had any favorite students, she said she does have some favorite students, but she did not want to name any names. Still, it is clear that she has made some very strong connections with the students.
“Mrs. Weber also has a way of connecting with the students that makes them feel comfortable and enjoy coming to school. She has conversations that don't necessarily pertain to school to help her students know she cares,” Diana Kuehler, one of the teachers she works with, exclaims.
“She does a great job working with the students and helping them achieve their best potential. She wants to see the students do well and she helps them in any way she can,” Kuehler states.
So, what is next for Weber? She is planning to spend more time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also would like to start traveling more.
Though she has only been with us for three years, her impact has been significant. Her presence in the halls, her kind words, and her supportive characteristics will definitely be missed. Pierce will not be the same without her, but we are grateful for her time here.
Even though she has not been at Pierce for that long, it is obvious she has made a big impact. We will definitely miss seeing her around, and we wish her all the best in retirement!
Retirement of JoAnn Dvorak
By Brody Quinn Coulter
The start of May marks the end of the school year for most and new beginnings for some. After six years, JoAnn Dvorak is retiring from Pierce Public Schools.
Before she began her time here in Pierce, she worked in electronics for 30 years. Then she owned a bar for 13 years. After the bar, she was looking for a job closer to home and the Pierce school district was hiring. Now six years later she is retiring and never looked back.
Over the short time she was here Dvorak has become a part of the Bluejay family. When asked what her most memorable moment over the years was she said, “All the little things the kids do.”
Her favorite part of the job was also just working with the kids. After the school year she intends to travel to Africa to celebrate retirement.
