While enthusiastic students eagerly empty their lockers, Kelly Eschenroeder will pack up her work space and dust off her desk. But be
fore closing her office door for the last time, she will reflect upon her experience as the secretary for the class of 2011.

“I am getting sentimental about leaving,” Eschenroeder, who began her career at KHS in 2007, said.“It’s a double whammy because I’m leaving, and [the senior class] is leaving. I’m just so overwhelmed with them going off on their own.”

Eschenroeder will become the head secretary in the main office at Keysor Elementary School beginning in the fall of 2011. Despite the shorter commute and a new set of faces, she said her job at Keysor will not significantly differ from her position at KHS.

“Kids are kids no matter what the age,” Eschenroeder said. “High school kids are just big kids with the same needs, problems and desire for love and approval.”

Christine Lindquist, senior principal, became her office mate and close companion during Eschenroeder’s four years at KHS.

“[Eschenroeder] was the best hire I ever made and is also a good friend,” Lindquist said. “This is definitely a loss for KHS but a gain for Keysor.”

Between keeping track of attendance and doing her least favorite part of the job – assigning detentions – Eschenroeder made sure to reserve the time to build relationships with the students.

“[Mrs. Eschenroeder] is an amazing person, and she’s the best secretary there is,” Lindsey Leeker, senior, said. “I’m glad she’s leaving with us, and I’m happy we can still go visit her at Keysor.”

Like many seniors, Eschenroeder will miss the friendly faces she became so familiar with during her four years at KHS.

“If [a senior] gives me an address, I will write them a letter,” Eschenroeder said.“I want them to be the best they can be. I will miss them and I will always love them.”