For 21 years, Mrs. Malone has been a faithful member of the MHS staff. Working primarily as a guidance counselor but also working behind the scenes in Thespians productions and sponsoring NHS, GSA, and LifeSavers.
She described her emotions regarding her retirement as something of a mixed bag, saying, “I am sad to leave a place I have enjoyed being at and felt very tied to for the last 21 years. I am fearful that I might lose connection with the coworkers that I interact with daily. I am apprehensive about what I will do with my time. I am excited to be moving on to a new phase of my life.” And later stated, “I think you could compare it to the feelings of seniors as they anticipate their graduation from MHS.”
Alongside her impact on the students of MHS, Mrs. Malone has also made a lasting impression on her fellow staff members. Her fellow director of all things Thespians, Mrs. Graham said, “I’m happy for her, of course, but she is the heart of our program, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about her retirement. So many times this year I’ve stopped and thought, ‘What am I going to do without her?’”
LifeSavers co-sponsor, Dr. Hendrickson, said, “Mrs. Malone, the words ‘thank you’ do not do enough justice to recognize what you have done for the students and staff at MHS over the past 21 years. From the work you do as a guidance counselor, to your passion for LifeSavers, to the dedication you show our Thespians, this school and its students have been so lucky to experience your care, warmth, and expertise over the years!”
As her closing message for the students of MHS, Mrs Malone said, “Every time I hear Rod Stewart’s song ‘Forever Young,’ especially around graduation time, I think of the MHS students I have known – hoping I have served them well. It would make my heart happy to think that students might hear that song and know I think of them.”
Aurora Cooper, Staff Writer
cooau27@sages.us
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