Seventeen years ago, Ann French joined the RCHS staff in hopes of spending more time around teenagers, and over the years her job as guidance secretary has helped her fulfill that wish. After years of commitment to the school, Mrs. French is retiring in order to commit time to herself and her family.

As secretary, Mrs. French assists the guidance counselors with paperwork and student cumulative folders, as well as filling in for the front office staff. Through her work here, Mrs. French has been able to interact with students who come to the office for help, often establishing a connection with those that she sees multiple times a year.

For instance, in 2005 Mrs. French volunteered her time to teach the clothing and design class how to knit. Many students from that class have since continued knitting, having learned much from Mrs. French. “Mrs. French was very helpful. She came in every day and taught us to knit, and she even helped the girls who seemed like they would continue with it by buying them yarn and bags to keep their things in. If anyone ever had a question, she would stop whatever she was doing to help,” said senior Ashley Bishop of Mrs. French’s knitting classes.

Although she loves the students, Mrs. French feels that she is ready to move on to the next stage of her life, and consequently has chosen to retire this year. She looks forward to her retirement as a chance to do things she never had a chance to do before because of work. Mrs. French has many plans for her retirement, including catching up on reading, knitting and gardening, traveling around the country, and taking art classes at UNCG. What she most looks forward to, though, is influencing her seven grandchildren.

Mrs. French has spent many years helping the students of RCHS, and above all, that is what she both enjoys most about her job and will miss the most when she has gone. She wishes simply to be remembered as a caring person, who helped students in search of information or applications, or simply a kind face.

As she retires this year, Mrs. French leaves the following words: “Of all my jobs in this life, being a wife and mother was the most fun and enriching, but next to this was my job at Rockingham County High School. I will miss the ringing of the bells and watching the students hurrying to class as if there’s a fire!! Some of this year’s graduates I had in second grade at Bethany School, and it’s been wonderful to watch them come of the age they are now and how they have achieved many honors. They are Sonny Price, Dustin Stephenson, Shelly Read, Rachel Edwards, Morgan Morris, Brad Asbury, Allen Tilley, and Kayla Bryant. It has been my decision to graduate with them to a different phase of life and one I hope they will come to know and enjoy as I have. Thanks to my co-workers and administration for a beautiful journey here at Rockingham County High School.”