After helping many retirees, Suzie Swenson is ready to become one

From volunteering in the main office to becoming the Benefits Coordinator, Suzie Swenson has worked her way up to incorporate herself as much as possible into the inner operations of the school. For the last 20 years, being the Human Resources Director has been her source of inspiration and comfort. 

During her time at LHS, Swenson has contributed to Lancer Nation through her work outside the school hiring staff members, helping them adjust to the building and negotiating with unions. 

While the workload may seem overwhelming, Swenson flourished in this environment.

“I’m an early riser and usually in my office at 6:00 am,” Swenson said. . “That’s when I can get everything done.”

Swenson began her career at LHS after being offered a position for her work at Total Sports selling school merchandise and beginning ‘Athlete of the Month.’ She loved the friendly and supportive environment and immediately knew she wanted to join the community.

“I got to know the school district and everybody was so nice,” Swenson said. “I thought to myself ‘I need to get more involved.’”

While she has loved working in the area, not all aspects of Swenson’s job were pleasant. She found more difficulty in performing disciplinary actions and having to settle troublesome conflicts.

“I’m a very positive person,” Swenson said. “Bad news just breaks my heart.”

The responsibilities thrill Swenson and make her excited to come into work each day. One phone call has the ability to completely change any laid out plans that Swenson has for the day.

“I never know what to expect when the phone rings and there’s never downtime, but that’s the fun part,” Swenson said. “You just have to keep a good attitude and keep yourself focused.”

This year, the pandemic made Swenson’s job even more hectic than usual. From the initial school shutdown to returning full time, she has handled the troubling task of calming staff nerves in regard to pandemic-related concerns. 

“This year was a crash course for everybody. [The teachers] stepped up and had really great teamwork which made all of this possible,” Swenson said. “It’s been a whole job in itself every day on top of the actual job.”

Even with the obstacles left for next year, Swenson has complete faith that her coworkers and successor will handle the situation with grace and remain persistent in their efforts. She feels confident that she is leaving the district in good hands.

“We’ve already hired the new person to take my place and I know she’ll be great,” Swenson said. “I really have tried to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

While leaving LHS will certainly be difficult, Swenson is embracing her retirement with open arms.

“I’m finally going to take golf lessons,” Swenson said. “And I’m excited to be able to have more free time for when my grandsons need me.”

Leaving her position is no easy task however. Swenson knows it will be extremely difficult to part from the embracing community and wonderful colleagues she has met throughout the years.

“Londonderry is home. It’s just the best,” Swenson said. “It’s going to be really weird that last day to walk out.”

Swenon’s commitment and passionate involvement over the course of many years has turned LHS into more than just an occupation. Swenson has found her home and looks forward to staying part of such a loving town. 

“When you love your job so much, it’s really hard to leave,” Swenson said.