Special To The ShowMe Times

By Paige McCormick,
The Rebel Yeller
Richland High School

ESSEX, Mo. - Saying goodbye is never easy; especially to someone you have known nearly your entire life. This is the case for almost every Richland student. Ms. Addie Rasche, secretary of 45 years, has decided to enter the life of retirement. For those 45 years, she has always been the cheerful greeting face in the high school office.

Students have come and gone through these halls, and sweet Ms. Addie has surely made an impact on each and every one of them. As Principal Rost has said, “Everyone loves Ms. Addie.” Anyone who has ever spoken to her knows she will do anything she can to help an individual.

“She has proven that dedication and hard work can reap so many benefits,” adds Mrs. Rost, “She will be sorely missed.”

Since her first day as secretary in November of 1965, Ms. Addie has seen three generations of some families pass through this school. She is also the second of her own generation to serve as faculty in Richland following in the steps of both her parents. In all this time, she has never missed a beat; she has taken a moment to learn a little about each and every student and faculty member, making everyone feel welcome.

Student Sloan Adkins is a member of one of these generations.

“She is very dependable and no matter what she is always there. She seems to know just what you need before you even ask her,” Sloan said.

Looking back on these years, she cannot fathom that it is coming to an end so soon.

“The time has gone by so quickly. There have been so many memories and this school will always be in my heart. Each and every one of [the] kids will always be in my heart,” says Addie. “It is just like a family here.”

In recognition of her hard work, faculty members decided to hold an assembly to give thanks from the entire school. Grades K-12 filled the west-side bleachers and chanted, “Addie! Addie!” as Mr. Calvin led Ms. Addie down the hallway, to what she thought was an issue with the graduation set-up.

“They pulled one over on me this time! I honestly never had an inkling this was going on. It was a total surprise, it was wonderful,” Ms. Addie said. Nothing ever slips by her, but somehow the entire school managed to keep quiet about the event and she was in total shock.

“This is the one time!” adds Addie.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Rost, Superintendent Mr. Kiehne, and math teacher, Mr. Gisi shared a few words about their time with her at Richland. Mr. Gisi attended high school with Ms. Addie as a Grayridge Panther (before the merge of Essex and Grayridge). He shared a few of their good times together and reminded everyone of her kind and loving heart. Although he was sure to include he isn’t much of a speech-giver, he had the entire crowd’s eyes a little watery.

The entire faculty pitched in to get a present for her to present during the assembly; a large flat-screen television. They believed it would come in handy during the relaxing retirement life.

Ms. Addie is not yet sure what to do after the “big R”, but she is sure of one thing.

“I will visit people I know who are sick and in need. I want to help anyone whom is in need; because one day I may need help myself,” says Addie.

She has once mentioned returning to her former night job at the Call of the Wild. Her humor has always added light in Richland Schools.

Photo Above: Addie Rasche (right) is retiring this summer after serving at Richland Schools for 45 years. With Miss Addie is Norma Corlew, who organized a recent tribute to Miss Addie at the school. (Photo by SMT Reader and Richland Librarian Karen Lane ... Thanks, Karen!) Editor's Note: Richland High School's Journalism Class produces the Rebel Yeller an online high school newspaper.