Both students and staff will experience an inexplicable shift upon entering the office on Friday, Dec. 1 as Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Betty Mueller, will no longer serve at Orono High School. After working 28 years at both the Orono Middle and High Schools, she plans to move into her next phase of life: retirement.
“It’s been my way of life into 28 years, so it will be quite an adjustment,” Mueller said. “It’s been fun, a lot of good things have happened over the years. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone; there’s really a lot of nice people here.”
On a daily basis, you could find Mueller updating the information on the monitors, organizing meetings, coordinating substitute teachers, and primarily running the events in the main office. Most of these tasks are not always seen by students as they happen behind-the-scenes; nevertheless, their importance of completion remains prominent.
“She unofficially runs the school,” English teacher Grace Nohner said. “She will be difficult to replace because she does so much for this school…she takes care of teachers, advisors, administrators, and students, helping us with whatever we need. Also, she’s always professional and friendly.”
Recently, Mueller moved into a new house and is very excited to spend some more time there in her life after retirement, as well as some much needed time to be with family and see the world.
“I plan to go out to lunch a lot … and travel,” Mueller said. “[My] daughter lives out in Colorado and I have not gotten to go there as regularly as I usually do and I do have a trip on a river cruise down the Danube [River] in the fall.”
As for her position, a replacement has been found and more information will follow for students after the review of information by the administration.
“I have never not had Mrs. Mueller as my assistant as long as I have been here [in my] 24 years,” Principal David Benson said.
Mueller will be greatly missed by students and staff as the community wishes the best for her future endeavors.