Two Bloom Women Provided more than 100 years of Service

Bloom Township High School District 206 bids farewell to two retiring district employees, whose combined tenures with the district amount to over 100 years of service.

Lenore Reeves, who works in Bloom 206’s payroll department, began working for the district in 1967, the same week she graduated from Bloom High School. When reflecting on her time with the district she says she most enjoyed the people she’s worked with over the years. “I have had the pleasure of working with really great people,” Lenore said. “I have also always enjoyed my job.”

Lenore said she has great memories from her time with the district, noting that the team is like a family and treats each other with kindness. “We were proud to be from Bloom,” she said. Adding that she will miss the friends she made while working at the district.

As she begins her retirement, Lenore said she is most looking forward to spending more time with her retired friends and, most of all, her first grandchild.

Berda Kennedy, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent Lenell Navarre, has worked for Bloom 206 since she was a senior at Bloom High School. During her senior year, she was in the Office Education Association, and is grateful to her teacher for opening the door for her. “Many thanks to my homeroom teacher, John Lucy, who suggested that I take the class,” Kennedy said. “I attended classes in the morning and worked in the transcript office and switchboard in the afternoon and after school.”

Kennedy graduated in June 1971 and started working full-time in the counseling office in August 1971. After that she worked in many different positions at Bloom, from the counseling office secretary to the secretary to the assistant principal for student services. In the district office Kennedy worked as secretary to the assistant superintendent before transitioning to secretary to the superintendent..

“I love a challenge so being able to work in the different positions allowed for different opportunities, challenges and growth as well as meeting and working with so many people from all walks of life,” Kennedy said, adding that she will miss all the friends she’s gained throughout her time at District 206.

Kennedy said she is looking forward to spending time with her family near and far, especially her four children, as well as reading and just being able to relax. “I'm from Bloom and couldn't be prouder,” she said.

Bloom Superintendent Lenell Navarre, said he will miss working with both women. “Berda and Lenore have truly been servant leaders for the district,” Navarre said. “Their names, faces and spirits are synonymous with Bloom 206, and there will truly be a void without them in the office. We are all thankful for all they’ve contributed to the success of this community and wish them a relaxing and well-earned retirement.