Rocking Into Retirement

LGISD Superintendent Andy McHazlett honored two LHS retirees at the LGISD End of Year Convocation on Friday, May 22. Freddie Behnke and Laurie Stork, who worked with LGISD for 28 and 34 years, each received a rocking chair as a parting gift from the district.

Each retiree was asked a few questions regarding their favorite teaching memories, secret skills and advice they’d leave with their colleagues, and McHazelett shared their answers to the staff on behalf the retirees.

“My favorite memories with the school are when students that I was teaching that I didn’t think I did a very good job with, all of a sudden show up at the door and at the grocery store and give me a big ol’ hug and thank me,” Behnke said.

Stork spent many years as the LHS UILAcademic Coordinator as well as dedicating her time to being a sponsor for numerous UIL academic teams.

“Taking students to UT Austin to compete at UIL State Academic Meets are some of my favorite memories,” Stork said.

Now faced with an endless amount of free time, each retiree was tasked with thinking about what they’d be doing while their colleagues went back to work next fall.

“Next week: Hawaii. In the fall: Edinburgh, United Kingdom,” Stork said. “By August 5th, no matter where on the planet I am, I’ll already have an established routine of daily exercise, reading, thinking and especially writing.”

While Stork will be going far and wide in her retirement, Behnke is planning on enjoying the little things in life a little closer to home.

“On August 5th, when everyone else is working on the first day with the kiddos, I’m going to Village Market in Carmine for a fountain drink and a kolache,” Behnke said.

When asked if they had a secret skill that the students would be surprised to know, each of the retirees gave an answer that paid homage to their careers at LGISD.

Behnke, who was the teacher for construction management, replied to the question with, “You’d be surprised what you can fix with bailing wires, zip ties and tractor innertubes.”

Along with teaching AP Literature, Stork also taught British literature to seniors for many years, and one of her secret skills ties into that.

“I’m quite good at identifying obscure china patterns, and I have mastered the perfect cup of British tea,” Stork said.

To finish the questionnaire, Stork and Behnke were each asked to leave a piece of advice to the rest of the LGISD staff.

“I know it’s a grind but stay the course and give your personal best every single day- the kid’s deserve no less,” Stork said. “Take care of yourself too.”

Behnke decided to leave his colleagues with a little rhyme.

“When the clock strikes four, shut the door and leave it on the floor,” Behnke said. “It’ll be there tomorrow.”

As they walked back to their seats, the retirees received a standing ovation from the crowd- a physical sign of the love and support the district has for these two teachers.