9021Mom: BHHS Special Services Instructor to Retire

As the 2010-11 school year comes to a close at , so with it comes the retirement of dedicated special services teacher Lorella Cargile.

Mrs. Cargile, as most everyone addresses her, is a unique throwback to the days of reading, writing and arithmetic. Her classroom is decorated with family pictures, notices to students and posters with quotes meant to inspire.

Cargile, a 26-year veteran of the school, runs a very structured environment in which students are busy writing paragraphs, using dictionaries and developing a love for independent reading. Goofing off is best left for another class. In conjunction with the transition special services program, Cargile diligently prepares her students for life after high school. Skills such as check writing, learning how to budget, locating work, placement in part-time jobs and resume building are a small sampling of the knowledge her students come away with. When a student has a problem, she puts her own work aside and focuses on a solution.

When it comes to service, Cargile goes over and beyond the norm. Every year she sponsors Career Day, during which students past and present are invited to sit on a panel and talk about life after college and hopes for the future. A question and answer period follows with a guest list of students, staff and administration in attendance.

Cargile's strict classroom style is tempered by her warm heart. Birthdays, holidays and end of semester celebrations include a smorgasbord of meats, pastas, salads, fruits, beverages and special desserts. Gifts are given and photographs are taken.

I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Cargile as one of her instructional assistants. Her assistants' responsibilities include creating tests, grading, organizing files and working one on one with the students. There is a lot to learn and our skills are fine-tuned.

Cargile is one of a kind, and I am certain she will continue to serve her community in the same spirit she has taught her BHHS students.

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