For Sharyl Kelsch, Warrenton has been more than a workplace. It’s also been her home, the place where she has watched her children prosper.“I had never lived anywhere more than five years before I got here,” said the longtime Warren County R-III administrator, who is leaving after 18 years in the district.For the past 12 years, Kelsh has been an assistant principal at Warrenton High School.“I had always said I would never leave Warrenton until my kids were finished (in school),” said Kelsch. “Here we are, and now I am ready to take the next step to become a head principal.”On May 18 she will have the privilege of awarding her youngest child with his diploma, before he heads off to Mizzou to join his sister. Kelsch’s husband also spends much of his time to the west, as he makes the commute each day to Jefferson City, where he is principal at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.“It just made perfect sense for me to head that direction,” said Kelsch. “Still, it is bittersweet to leave a place that’s been such a huge part of my life.”Kelsch will be joining her husband in the central Missouri area, as she becomes the head principal at Fatima High School in Westphalia.“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most are the people I’ve been able to work with,” said Kelsch, fighting back tears. “Having those friendships and relationships is what I’m going to miss the most.”A lot has changed during Kelsch’s time in the district, including enrollment and facilities.“When I first started here we had around 700 kids in the high school, and now we are just under 1,000” said Kelsch, who began her career as a counselor. “I remember when we hit the first graduating class that was over 200.”Kelsch recalls changes in athletic conferences, upgrades in security and the transition of other administrators in the building.She made the move to administration in 2007, and during her time as an assistant she has served under three different head principals.“One of the things I take a lot of pride in is that I’ve worked closely with a lot with staff, and the energy and love they have for teaching and young people is encouraging,” said Kelsch.She points to her efforts in ensuring that students and staff feel both physically and emotionally safe as some of her most coveted work.“I’m very proud of what I’ve done here,” said Kelsch. “I feel like I’ve made Warrenton High School a better place in my time here, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.”Kelsch’s final day will be June 30.“Her heart and soul has been put into Warren County R-III,” said Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith. “She’s been with us for a long time, and we very much appreciate her dedication to the school and community.”

Warrenton High School Assistant Principal Sharyl Kelsch is leaving after 18 years in the district to take on the head principal role at Fatima High School. Kelsch began her service in the district as a counselor and has been an administrator for the past 12 years.

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe