After devoting seven years to educating hundreds of students, English teacher Rhonda Duering says goodbye to Perry as she walks through a new door as the English Department chair at Casteel High School.

Duering will be the first English Department chair at Casteel, as it is opening for the first time for the 2015-2016 school year. Having such a large role at a brand new school is bound to be difficult transition, but Duering is ready for it. “It may be one of the hardest things that I will ever have done…I am, inside, terrified. But, also wildly excited,” she says.

Principal Dan Serrano explains how Duering is fit for such a position, “She’s a really good teacher, and she knows English… she’s very upbeat and I think people will enjoy that part of her.” English teacher Kate Copic also mentions her abilities as an educator, “Her incredible knowledge, leadership, and experience make her qualified.”

As a close friend to Duering, Copic expresses bittersweet feelings on her leaving, “I try not to look at it as a loss as so much as a gift to the new high school because they need well-trained and experienced teachers.” Serrano agrees that she will be an asset to the new school, “She is professional and dedicated, so Casteel will be lucky to get her.”

Although excited for her new course, Duering explains the difficulty of leaving, “I have spent the better part of a decade rattling around here. I will miss my family and what we have built here.”

Many members of the staff are saddened to see her go and know the campus will be duller without her. “She’s been part of our school for several years and we are going to miss her,” says Copic. Serrano adds that she was a one of a kind teacher, “she is going to be a big loss because she is an excellent teacher…so it’s going to be difficult to replace her.”

Being a Puma for so many years, Duering now sees the campus as a home, filled with memories that she will never forget. “I really love being a part of the Perry community and have made a real family here…that tells you just how cool a place Perry is and how wonderful her staff,” she adds.

Duering has been known for her upbeat and lively personality that is going to be missed by students and staff alike. The Perry community is sure that she will excel in her new venture and wish her all the best.