School icon retires after 30 years

LEAVING PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Bonnie Parkinson left her job in the Happy Valley Primary School office after 30 years.

No Way! Not Bonnie! Yes, Bonnie!

Bonnie Parkinson, who has ruled the Happy Valley Primary School office for more than 30 years, is calling it quits. Apologies to all 10 superintendants and as many principals under whom she has worked, but nearly everyone knows the truth.

Bonnie ruled!

Bonnie Parkinson began as a volunteer in the school office where her three sons attended. Over the years, she has had at least one child, grandchild, niece or nephew attending her school where she could keep a close eye on him or her.

Bonnie, or Bon-Bon as she was affectionately called, has an amazing capacity to know and remember children and their families for years after they have moved on.

When a family was in trouble, she was the first to seek help for them. When a child was sent to the office for disciplinary reasons, Miss Bonnie could be heard raising her voice to reprimand and, seconds later, asking whether he or she was hungry and perhaps in need of a cracker.

"I have seen more and more second-generation students coming through in the last five years" she said. "It is really fun."

To the staff, Bonnie could solve any problem, answer any question and give a big hug of support when needed. She was not only a secretary, she was a confidant to many students, parents and staff members as well as her administrators. Confidentiality and loyalty were sacred.

"Working here is like having a huge family," she stated with a bit of a tear in her eye. "I mean the laughter, tears and temper tantrums. That includes not only kids, but parents and staff!"

Bonnie Parkinson is looking forward to traveling to some of her favorite places such as Florida, Texas and, first of all, Kansas. She plans to attend a class reunion there in October, along with a brother and sister.

In the meantime, she intends to continue working part-time at Bonney Burgers as she has been doing for the past 10 years.

By the way, Bonnie does not own Bonney Burgers nor is it named for her. However, all those friends - young or old - who are in need a Bonnie fix should stop by the restaurant and chat while she flips your burger.