VENICE — It’s never easy to say goodbye to a good thing. According to Venice Elementary parents, co-workers and former students, it’s even harder to say goodbye to its favorite front desk lady.
Venice Elementary School front desk receptionist Sheryl Burns was honored for her 22 years of service during a “Sheryl Burns Day” celebration Friday.
As soon as Burns announced her retirement last month, VES’s PTO parents said they knew they had to do something for her.
“When you look at Sheryl, she shines so bright,” said Christy Whitaker, a mother of two VES students. “However, if you stand next to her, she makes sure that you’re shining even brighter than her.”
After Hurricane Ian and severely damaged her home, Burns made it her mission to be there for students and staff. Burns also cares for her mother and husband, though PTO member Rasah Gonzalez said she chooses to see the silver linings of everything.
The PTO group got a giant, white throne — as one does for such royalty like Burns — and placed it near the front office for anyone interested in celebrating who many have deemed “the face of Venice Elementary.”
Donning a crown and sparkly wand to match her famous glasses, Burns watched as dozens of students, past and present, came by with flowers, cards, inside jokes and words of appreciation.
Middle schoolers, high schoolers and even college graduates came by to get one last hug or motivational speech by Burns. Most interactions ended with sad smiles. Some with ended with tears.
Burns said the best part of working at VES has been the family she’s created.
“To see the children with the parents and know who they belong to, you can see why they’re like they are,” she said. “There is just a domino effect.”
That domino effect has even cascaded into multiple generations.
One such effect was the Butters family, composed of former VES bookkeeper Lori Butters and Krista Rivera, a former VES student. Rivera also brought her young daughter to meet Burns, who was overjoyed to see one of her former students.
“She was always the first one you see when you walk in the door — always a smile, always positive, always someone you know you can come to for her positivity,” Rivera said.
Cadence Patek, a former VES student and now a seventh grade student at Student Leadership Academy, shared her sadness seeing Burns go and for the next generation of kids who won’t be able to meet her.
“I feel bad for them,” Patek said. “She was my favorite part of the day.”
Teachers also gathered for goodbye hugs and pictures. Bethany McGreevy, a reading interventionist teacher, said Burns has become a second mother to her, offering her a helping hand during some of the toughest times of their 20-year friendship.
“When my husband died, she held me together when I literally didn’t think I could take another step,” McGreevy said. “She got me through that because she’s one of a kind. I don’t know what we’re gonna do without her.”
When she officially retires June 3, Burns plans to visit family more and travel for something she’s never seen: snow.
Darel, Burn’s husband, said that will be the first of many adventures, though he’s most excited to see more of Burns.
“You see that smile? That’s how she’s always been,” he said. “That smile’s raised me.”
While the front desk receptionist is sad to leave the place she’s called home for more than two decades, Burns said she will always be a part of the VES family.
“My heart is imprinted on these people,” Burns said.
Here friends agree.
“Everyone will miss Ms. Sheryl,” PTO mom Elena Deangelis said. “And we also will never forget.”
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