It is the end of an era for the St. Charles Parish school system.
Long-time teacher and principal Lorel Gonzales is retiring after 26 years in the school system. Gonzales joins only one other retired educator, John “Rusty” Walker, in having been principal at both high schools in the parish.
She was principal at Destrehan High for three years before moving on to Hahnville High and later becoming principal, which was her final role in the school district.
Ken Oertling will take over as principal of Hahnville High for the 2010-2011 school year. Oertling has been an assistant principal at the school for four and a half years.
Gonzales has a long history with Hahnville High – she graduated from the school in 1976 and went on to teach and coach there.
“I am very proud to be ending my career at my Alma Mater,” she said. “Many don’t know this, but I was even a Hi-Stepper co-sponsor for one year.”
Gonzales said that being principal at both local high schools brought her challenges and gave her advantages other principals might not have.
“I love being a part of both of our high schools. There is, for the most part, a friendly rivalry which has been that way since I was a little girl. I hope that I have helped to ‘bridge the gap’ that sometimes exists between the two sides of this great parish,” Gonzales said. “Being a part of both schools really helped me to compare programs that could benefit the other.”
She said she isn’t sure why this is the right time to retire – it just is.
“I just knew it was time for me. Being a principal for nine years takes its toll on a person and it has done that for me,” she said. “I am very happy with my decision and feel that I am leaving the district in a positive manner.”
While she does plan on having an easy-going retirement, she will be far from bored. She has already planned two trips in the coming year to Disneyland in California and to Italy.
She also plans to catch up on her favorite hobbies – such as reading – that she didn’t have much time for as a principal. Since she will still reside in St. Charles Parish, she wants to join several organizations and get involved in community activities as well.
“It will be so unusual not to have a bell to ring to let you know to move or eat lunch,” she joked.
She said there is one thing that she will miss about her job more than anything else.
“I will miss the children the most. So many children have touched my life in a positive way,” she said. “To this day, I meet up with many former students. Some are now parents of current students and we reflect on the ‘good old days’ and the things they remember me doing in a class or in sports.
“It’s been a very rewarding career for me. And of course, I will miss the adults in the school system. I have made lasting friendships with many school employees and they have left unforgettable marks on me.”
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