SES wishes Mrs. Older a very happy retirement! Mrs. Older has been the principal of SES for 22 years.
Mr. Daniel Rogers will be the new principal of SES. Mr. Rodgers had these wonderful words to say about Mrs. Older.
It’s a true privilege to stand here today to honor someone whose name is woven into the very fabric of Straughn Elementary School—Mrs. Older.
For 22 remarkable years, Mrs. Older has given her heart, her time, and her incredible leadership to this school and to the hundreds—if not thousands—of students, teachers, and families who’ve walked through its doors.
When we talk about legacy, we often think of what’s been built. And in Mrs. Older’s case, that is both figuratively and literally true. Under her leadership, Straughn has seen more than just growth—it’s seen transformation. From new classrooms and buildings, to a playground that now echoes with the laughter of children enjoying enhancements she helped bring to life—her vision has shaped this school inside and out.
But it’s not just about that. One of Mrs. Older’s greatest strengths has been her ability to see potential in people. Over the years, she has carefully and thoughtfully built a faculty that is not just skilled, but deeply committed to providing the best for our students at SES. She’s hired teachers who inspire, who stay, and who love their work because they know they are supported by a leader who truly believes in them.
And then there are the things—the countless things—that she does without recognition. The quiet phone calls to check on a struggling student’s family. The anonymous donations to make sure every child has what they need. The after-hours meetings, the handwritten notes, the way she always seems to know when someone needs a little extra encouragement. These are the things that don’t make it onto a plaque, but they are the true measure of her impact.
Mrs. Older has not only led with excellence, she has loved with intention. She’s been a mentor, a friend, and a fierce advocate for every child that has walked these halls. Her legacy lives in the kindness she’s shown, the people she’s uplifted, and the culture of care and community she’s built.
So today, as we honor 22 extraordinary years, we don’t just say “thank you,” we say: you have changed lives, Mrs. Older. You have made Straughn Elementary a better place, and all of us better people.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you!
So, to honor you, we want to give you this token of our appreciation…a visual reminder of the lives you have and continue to impact and the people who care so much for you!