Nurse plans to retire in 2015 after 15 years in dream job
Kathleen Lopez
When Kathleen Lopez first became a nurse back in 1971, she knew she wanted to work in a campus setting. But back then, nurses were expected to cover three schools at a time, “and as a new graduate, I just didn’t think I could handle that.”
But Lopez decided to take another look at HISD in 1999, when the home care industry in which she was involved was undergoing some reorganization. “The field was changing a lot at the time,” she explained, “and I wasn’t ready to do all the things they wanted, like night visits.” So she applied for a position at J. R. Harris Elementary School, and that is where she has been ever since.
“I love my job, and I love the kids,” said Lopez. “This has been a great school to work for.”
After 43 years in the profession, Lopez says she plans to retire in January. “I still love the kids, and leaving them will be the hardest thing to do,” she noted, “but I have grandbabies now, and I want to spend more time with them and my children.”
Lopez officially marked her 15th anniversary with the district on May 24, but several other employees have also marked theirs this week (May 18–14). See if you know anyone on this list:
30 years
- Ellen Elzie, teacher, Milne ES
25 years
- Nori Garza, secretary, Patterson ES
20 years
- Maria Bello, teacher, Bell ES
- Oluseye Ilori, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Irma Madrigal, teacher, Bonner ES
- Juan Perez, painter, Construction & Facility Services
10 years
- William Hepburn, maintenance team lead, Construction & Facility Services
- Larry Libis, school business manager, Henry MS
- Gilberto Rodriguez, cement finisher, Construction & Facility Services
5 years
- Eleazar Acevedo III, warehouse, Food Services
- Minerva Barrios, teacher, McReynolds MS
- Adan Buruca, custodian, Construction & Facility Services
- Tommy Kelley, plant operator, Construction & Facility Services
- Ellen Lawrence,teacher, T. H. Rogers MS
- Jose Mercado Menjivar, plant operator, Construction & Facility Services
- Olajuwon Muhammad, teacher, Woodson ES
- Shalesha Smith, teacher, Law ES
- Frances Washington, teaching assistant, Kennedy ES
| Check back next Friday for more May Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees. |
