Mary Lou Bruess has been with the Monroe school district for 33 years, the last 28 as attendance secretary at Monroe High School.

She was hired in 1975 as an aide to type, file and make copies.

While her duties have changed, the job really hasn't.

"It's about the same," said Bruess, who is retiring at the end of the school year. "Our parents are really good about calling in and we really have a great bunch of kids."

Bruess has heard every excuse in the book for not coming to school. She recalled one of her favorites.

"Someone called and said they were calling in sick for Jim," Bruess said. "When I asked what grade Jim was in, the caller said, 'I'm in 10th grade.'"

Bruess plans to spend more time with her nine grandchildren and do more of her hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, sewing and gardening.

What is the last good book you read?

I enjoyed Tom Brokaw's "Boom! Voices of the Sixties."

What gets you relaxed?

Some good music and a knitting project

What is your greatest fear?

I guess it would be losing a child (she has four) or a grandchild. That would be devastating.

What is one thing you want to do but haven't yet?

I would like to take a long trip on a true sailboat.

Who do you most admire and why?

I most admire my parents for the values they taught me. Looking back, the things they did without. They were good people, and I truly appreciate it.