On May 28, I visited the front office to say goodbye to Ms. Fussell, a front-office assistant. Due to budget cuts, Ms. Fussell was forced to move to Lynn Road Elementary school for the 2010-2011 school year.
As I walked into the office, phones buzzed and visitors checked in and out. A parent dropped off a bag of mangoes for their child, and two gym class boys came in with skinned elbows. The phone rang seven times, sometimes with both lines humming at once. While handling all of this, Ms. Fussell received two hugs and one “We’ll Miss You” sign.
Between band-aids and phone calls she was kind enough to answer my questions.
Juggling the two black receivers she revealed her love for Leesville. “I’m going to miss the kids the most,” said Fussell.
After four years of work, Ms. Fussel has become a part of the Leesville community, and with two children through the system there is hardly ever a time Ms. Fussel is not associated with Leesville.
“Everything is just sort of meshed together,” she said.
Although Fussell is not thrilled to leave, she tries to stay positive about Lynn Road Elementary.
“Change happens,” Fussell said. “You just have to go with it.”
Many students will miss Ms. Fussell, remarking on her helpful nature and genuine personality.
Miranda Miller, sophomore, said, “I know Ms. Fussell through my mom; they worked together in the PTA for a long time. I go to the office a lot because I forget things, and she has always been really nice. I’m disappointed to see her go. ”
Even though Leesville has given Fussell plenty of stress, she is thankful for her time at the school.
“I can tell you one thing,” she said. “There is never a dull moment.”
I am sorry to hear that Leesville will be losing one of their front line champions! Often Mrs. Fussell is the only person you see at this busy high school to connect a forgotten text book or paper with your child. I will miss the friendly connection with LRHS and wish her well at her new assignment.
I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Fussell will not be at LRHS any more. I always felt very comfortable as a parent to ask for any favor from her. She was always there to help me and to answer my questions with a broad smile. Whenever I called the school’s main phone number, I could always recognize her voice. At that point, I knew I got the right person on the other end of the phone who will help me through. Once I had to pick the form for my son’s driver’s permit, although she had already closed the office, she reopened the door and helped me to save my trip back to school again. I am definitely going to miss her!
Sherry Dayal
Dear Mrs. Fussell,
We are all going to miss you! Just remember, we do blood and gore but the vomit is yours to keep! Hopefully, we will see you back at LRHS in the very near future.
Don’t forget us.
We love you!
pf