District Employee Thanked for 50 Years of Service

In 1962, John F. Kennedy was president, the eyes of the world were on missiles in Cuba, and songs like "Johnny Angel" by Shelley Fabares played on Top 40 radio.

That same year, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate was hired to work as a secretary by the former Hellertown School District, which several years later would become the .

Her name was Jane Rieger, and half a century later she is still employed by the district.

Rieger's remarkable accomplishment was celebrated with a surprise party in her honor in the office on April 25, which was also Administrative Professionals Day.

Highlights of the party included cake for faculty and staff for middle school faculty and staff and cupcakes for students in fifth through eighth grades.

Rieger was also presented with , and a book about the Philadelphia Phillies was donated to the middle school library in her name.

A big Phillies fan, Rieger said she's held season "Sunday plan" tickets since 1981, and enjoys great seats when she watches the team play.

She's also a supporter of the Saucon Valley wrestling team, and traveled to Hershey to see them compete this year.

Other hobbies include baking and crocheting.

"She does blankets for all the babies," middle school principal Pam Bernardo said.

When asked about her career's longevity, Rieger modestly said she has enjoyed working for the school district for so many years because "the people are great" and it's "close to home."

Aside from the creation of the current school district campus, she said technological changes over the years stand out the most, including the switch from typewriters to computers.

If she retired she wouldn't know what to do with herself, but she would most likely travel, Rieger said.

As part of the surprise party, Rieger's sisters, brother and brother-in-law visited the middle school office and a book featuring some of her yearbook photos from the past 50 years was presented to her.

A Lower Saucon Township resident, Rieger said she currently has no plans to retire, and will continue to work for the district as long as she's able to enjoy her duties there.