By Emma Stone
A retirement reception was held at Ruston High School’s auditorium on May 17 from 3:45-5 p.m. to give an opportunity for people to thank five RHS staff members set to retire.
The retirees together have worked a total of 138 years at RHS. Those retiring include Lloyd Bruner, Charlene Flucas, Kevin Herren, Janet Martin and Kay White.
The reception was open to the public and featured a table with each retiree’s picture framed in front of a book. Those wishing to could sign the book with a message and their name.
Food and drinks were offered and the retirees lined up on stage for people to congratulate and celebrate their achievements.
Lloyd Bruner retires after working at RHS for 18 years. He was the primary adviser for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), leading the chapter in Louisiana.
“I’m just happy I’ve had a successful career at FBLA, the school newspaper, and now I get to go fishing and camping,” said Bruner.
Bruner ran RHS’s school newspaper, “The Chatterbox,” and will be moving on to work at Lowe’s.
Charlene Flucas began as a custodian for Lincoln Parish Schools until 1993 when she began working as RHS’s school secretary. Flucas is now retiring after 34 years of working for RHS.
“My husband is a pastor, so I plan on doing more with him and helping him in his ministry,” said Flucas. “I’ve been here 34 years, and I’ve seen a lot, but it’s bittersweet. I plan to take it day-by-day.”
Kay White has worked in education for over 32 years and began as a business teacher. White, then, moved to the registrar and was a 12th grade counselor for RHS for 23 of those years.
“The biggest blessing of my life was working at Ruston High and being with these kids all day, every day,” said White. “That was the most wonderful thing and that is what I will miss most.”
Janet Martin, an alumni of RHS, retires after working as secretary for the guidance department for 28 years.
“I’ve been here a long time,” said Martin. “It’s very special just to be here when my kids were here.”
Kevin Herren retires after working in Lincoln Parish for 21 years and in the special education department at RHS for over nine years. After retirement, Herren hopes to have more time for hunting, fishing and gardening.
“I’m looking forward to retiring, and it’s been enjoyable,” said Herren. “Special education is a totally different side of education that people don’t get to see.”
With the reception wrapping up, many tears were shed as those said goodbye to lifelong leaders of RHS.
Martin commented with words of wisdom for all retirees, “Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.”
