Seven Retirees Share Thoughts of Their Time Teaching at North

By Naomi VanDyne, News Editor

Published: May 27, 2025

Retirees

Mike Janes

The long-standing Activities Director will be retiring after 29 years, 20 of those being at FHN. He’s had to deal with many changes in the last few years with the new school being constructed, but is glad to have seen it through.

“I like to see kids come when we get them as freshmen, and then see their athletic ability and all their talents grow through those four years,” Janes said. “It’s been a real blessing because you get to hopefully have an impact on students and staff, and hopefully I’m leaving it in a better place than when I got it.”

Becky Just

The teacher of a variety of foods classes, Just has been at North for 26 years. Once retired, she plans on working on her dessert shop business as well as taking some downtime.

“[I liked] all the kids I’ve had in my classes, they’ve been fantastic,” Just said. “[I’ll miss] my immediate colleagues that I work with and the energy of the students. They keep you young and a little crazy sometimes. It’s been a roller coaster of excitement.”

Denise Maples

Maples has been an art teacher for 28 years at North. She student taught at first, then became a long-term sub and finally got her spot as a teacher.

“North has a lot of special traditions that I think other schools don’t have, which I think is neat, and it just kind of gives us a unique personality,” Maples said. “We’ve always had a unique personality between the other two high schools, and I think we have a really great staff. I’m going to miss having my own little environment in my room... It’s going to be weird to not be Mrs. Maples anymore.”

Lisa Pentecost

She has taught in the specialized services department at North for 22 years and 32 total, other places like McCluer High School, Edgewood Children’s Center and Ackerman School.

“I would say [I like] the students first,” Pentecost said. “They’re hardworking and diverse. I’m going to miss helping students figure out how they can be successful and watching them grow, because I love the way students and teachers endure and thrive. My time at North has been rewarding and joyful. I’ve made connections that will always be important. In my head, leaving teaching is a big deal because I’ve been doing it for so long.”

Tony Roungon

Having been at North for 20 of the 21 years in education, Roungon most appreciates the memories he’s made with students in his physics and physical science classes. Once retired, he plans on enjoying traveling, specifically an Alaskan cruise.

“[I’ll miss] interacting with the students and really appreciating when a student either thanks you for something they learned, or a student that graduates comes back and gives you an update on what they’re doing and shares their successes with you,” Roungon said. “That’s always rewarding to hear.”

Kent Stover

He has been teaching math for 34 years, all of those at FHN. He most appreciates the people at North and the community at the school.

“[I liked] the camaraderie of the staff, and how everybody got along well together,” Stover said. “[I’ll miss] the people, both the students and the teachers. It’s been a fun journey.”

Kim Sulzner

She has taught many theater classes, including Actor’s Studio I and II, Speech, Debate, and English I. She has been at North for 10 years, but has been teaching for 35 years in FHSD schools like Howell High and Hollenbeck. Once retired, Sulzner plans to complete her travels to all 50 states, as well as spend time with her grandson.

“[I liked that] it’s kind of like a sense of family when you get here,” Sulzner said. “There’s cooperation between departments and things like that, a lot of support. [I’ll miss] the students more than anything. It’s gone really fast. I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years.”

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Derrick Bradbury • Jul 29, 2025 at 8:03 pm

I knew Lisa Pentecost since I was a Senior in high school back in the old building. She is a wonderful person and teacher. Back then when I was a Senior though Junor Year she did a Club call “Yes I Can”. And she will always be a FHN KNIGHT


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