-----------------~ademh~ RETIRING CASHIER COMPLETES 47 YEARS OF SERVICE S tudents could always count on seeing a smile on her face when they passed her at breakfast or lunch. Students from generations past remembered her, even years after graduation. They loved her, and she loved them. Lorene Smith, better known by students as "Ms. Polly," worked in the cafeteria for 4 7 years, beginning in 1965 and finishing her career on Dec. 16. Smith blessed students by her joy and reliable smile. "A smiling face in the caf always seems to make the heart a bit lighter, just enough to make it matter, but not enough that you would notice and get tired of it," 2012 alumnus Caleb Smith said. Smith worked in several parts of the cafeteria including the drink station, the bakery, the salad bar and the cash register. Her favorite job was always working the cash register, so when Aramark arrived, and she was given the choice to work where she wanted, she chose to primarily work as a cashier. Smith saw several changes over the years. She was hired when Dr. George Benson was the president of the school, and she witnessed the changes that occurred as Dr. Clifton Ganus was inaugurated, followed by Dr. David Burks. She said that each president brought new policies and changes. Some of the more noticeable changes were dress code regulations. Women were initially restricted to wearing dresses but later , allowed to wear pants. Other changes included restrictions on earrings and tattoos. The school facilities underwent significant changes as well. The cafeteria grew substantially to keep pace with the growing number of students in attendance. Both the students and the school were special to Smith, making it difficult for her to say goodbye, but she felt that it was time for her to retire. "I'm ready, but it's going to be sad, because I've worked all these years here, and all these kids mean so much," Smith said. "They mean everything, so it will be hard to walk away." The school did a lot to help her during her years as an employee. When she lost her home to a fire, the school provided an apartment for her and her husband. Smith had a long and heartwarming career working in the cafeteria, and she was treasured by students. "When I think of Ms. Polly, I have to remind myself not to take advantage of the many things I overlook in life," freshman Aaron West said. "She is vitally important to the cafeteria, and it will be a sad day when she does retire." KoryHoward Staff 1217
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