Dear S.H. Rider High…

Fight fight you Raiders…

Songs I’ve sung for years. This school means so much to me in so many ways! From a 7-year-old girl when my sister was among the very first students at Rider High School, graduating from RHS, watching my son graduate from RHS, to a 68-year-old woman who has worked here for the past 26 years.

My 50th graduating class reunion falls this year, as my alma mater closes, for good, as a high school. This. Hurts!

My memories as a student at Rider are not as vivid as my years working here. I’ve participated in more activities while working here than I did when I was a student. And I’ve had a blast!

I’ve said for a long time my name should be on the two soccer state championship monuments and the baseball state championship monument because I was at all three thrilling, nail-biting games! Football games at Texas Stadium were the best! Volleyball, basketball, Lady Raider soccer, powerlifting, tennis, track and field events have been a joy to watch as “my kiddos” have given all they have to be the best!

The Band! Oh. The. Band! The Happening, marching around the school Rider/Coyote week, the mini pep-rallies for playoffs in the student center and the Electronica performances! The choir and theatre performances have been the best of the best! I’m going to miss all of it. This. Hurts!

But oh the awesome people who have been a part of my life for the past 26 years! The Rider High School staff and faculty have been top-notch from day one! The OFOT acronym may not have come to life until 2010, but as far as I’m concerned, we’ve been “One Family One Team” since my first day working here! I love the Rider High School family!

You have loved on me through the mountains and the valleys in my life the past 26 years. Parents of students have become lifelong friends of mine. And there are not enough words to convey how much I have loved and love our students!

God put me here for a purpose and I have been blessed beyond measure! I am truly excited for all students as they make new traditions and memories in the new schools. Soak it all in! Have fun! Make memories! Always be thankful for each day! I love you all, but not as much as Jesus does!

Fight on you Raiders, Onward Raiders, Always on to Victory!

Bless this our alma mater, Bless S.H. Rider High!