In October, we bid farewell to our beloved assistant principal, Mrs. Morales. Now, four more of our amazing staff look towards retirement and the chapter of their lives is filled with the thrills of relaxation. They all have been with us for plenty of years and we had the privilege to hear their reflections before their departure.

We begin with Mrs. Karen Knight, Mr. Fancher's secretary, who has been working here for 29 years. Throughout her time here, Mrs. Knight went through many roles, such as working one-on-one with a handicapped student, performing as a media aid in our media center, and in assisting one of our assistant principals.

"I love Saint Cloud High. My kids—both kids—graduated from Saint Cloud High and this is like home to me," Knight started with a smile, "I have loved all the jobs I have had here, and, you know, I enjoy most of the principals that I have worked with." She paused for a moment to count. "Mr. Fancher is the seventh principal that I worked for and he is by far my favorite." Ms. Knight and our principal always worked well together. They both helped each other, and Mr. Fancher always made sure that coming to work fun for everyone. "I’m excited about retiring but I’m going to miss a lot of the people here."

Mrs. Karen English, our guidance secretary, has been working here for 15 years and also worked in the dean’s office, data entry, and as long-term substitute for English classes. Through all the transitions, Mrs. English enjoyed every second, no matter the job. "It’s been a lot of fun," English began, "Because you have a lot of work with parents, hear many different stories, and it just makes it a fun place to work and you never get bored."

Mrs. English used to work at Westgate Resorts before transitioning to Saint Cloud High and for her the transition felt perfect. "I’ve been really blessed to have such great coworkers. I hear from a lot of people that do not get to have that and it really makes a difference. You’re here for so long and work so many hours here that it just feels like another family." Mrs. English is going to miss everyone in the guidance department but is excited to spend time with her best friend Mrs. Knight and enjoy the rest of her life raising her grandson and even her eight-month-old labradoodle.  

We then have Mr. Ron Brown, ESE self-care aide, who has been working here for 11 years. He worked with children in Osceola County Children’s Home before transitioning to Saint Cloud High. Mr. Brown’s role is to make sure kids are ready for the outside world and to become great citizens. "Wherever I go I always hear 'Mr. Brown how you doing?' and it’s always touching." Mr. Brown paused for a second. "I’m happy but also sad about leaving because the people here are great and I always thank God for letting me be here to experience it." Mr. Brown is not only thankful for his experience but is thankful for the opportunity to now watch his four grandsons grow and watch them play basketball more.

Finally, Mrs. Florence Edward, also known as Mrs. Robinson due to her recent marriage, has worked as our school’s nurse for the past couple of years. "My experience here has been great. I cannot give myself a '10' but Mr. Fancher, the staff, the deans—all of them [get] a '10'. It is teamwork." She has always loved working with parents and helping students feel better by providing them with snacks and a safe place when they are feeling sick. "One thing I’ve always learned while being here is you always going to be true to yourself and always be honest and kind to others," she said with a smile. Mrs. Robinson is excited for retirement as she is ready to spend more time with her beloved husband and helping out at church.

The Cloud thanks all four retirees for their time and service at Saint Cloud High and wish them an amazing retirement!