Rone-Osborne retiring after 43 years with Monessen schools

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

“Osborne out!”

One of Monessen School District’s most beloved employees is retiring after more than four decades of dedication to Monessen youths, families and district employees.

Valerie Rone-Osborne’s last day of work is June 30. The high school/middle school secretary has given 43 years of service to Monessen School District.

Rone-Osborne had a sign-off message for Monessen students on their last day of school: “Don’t you forget about me. Be safe. Be kind. Be well. — Osborne out!”

Rone-Osborne, who has worked at various Monessen School District buildings, was recognized during Monessen’s commencement ceremony this year. There was also a retirement celebration thrown for her at the school June 10, which was attended by present and past district employees. 

They surprised her at the school, she said, adding that Principal Eric Manko was supposed to give her a heads up about when the surprise was, but kept it a secret.

The retiree recently told the Mon Valley Independent about some of her memories at Monessen School District.

“I stopped in the high school to pick up a transcript to send out to employers,” Rone-Osborn said. “I graduated with the Class of ’77 and had just completed Duff’s Business School.”

She said long-time school secretary Mary Ann Domjancic saw her during the visit to the high school office and said “We need a secretary here at the school. Why don’t you apply?”

“I did, got hired and the story begins,” Rone-Osborne said, adding that Domjancic, who is retired, served as a mentor to her for many years. 

Rone-Osborne had myriad duties as a school secretary. 

“I worked in the junior high and senior high offices at the old school on Reed Avenue, then in the middle, dean of students and high school offices at the new school,” she said, adding that being a school secretary and a parent can involve wearing many hats.

“I was the cheer coach for many years, junior class sponsor, PTA president, football boosters officer and mom to my son, Shane, a Monessen High School graduate,” she said.

“Over the years, many wonderful people have crossed my path, too many to list,” Rone-Osborne said. “The secretaries at Monessen are a big part of my memories and I would like to thank them all for being such wonderful friends then and now. 

“To all the past and present superintendents, principals, teachers, support staff, secretaries, custodians, school board members, students and parents — the memories are overwhelming. The good days surely outweighed the bad days. I feel blessed to have had this journey.”

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.