This story is part of our ongoing coverage of 2025 retirees. More stories soon to come.

Donna Bronson, a secretary in the Guidance Office for 10 years, retired at the end of first semester. 

Bronson, who previously worked in education at another school, joined Glenbard East in 2015 as a secretary. She chose to work at Glenbard East as it was only a mile away from her home, despite being a graduate from Willowbrook. 

Bronson recalls getting to know students over the years and assisting them with applying for colleges and scholarships as one of her greatest memories of working at Glenbard East. Another important part of working at East was if an upset student came into the Guidance Office, she would use humor to calm them down. 

She has also formed many friendships with both students and colleagues along the way. Ms. Bronson made special to thank the school nurses at East for their quick actions when she had a heart attack while at work. 

“I’ve known Ms. B for one year. Over my time working with her, she has taught me a lot about hard work and that you should always work hard and strong, even when times are tough. She also taught me that you should never give up, no matter whether times are positive or negative,” says Val Villegas, another secretary in the Guidance Office, reflecting on Ms. Brunson’s at East.

”It is surreal to watch Ms. Bronson go from start to finish during her time working at East. You don’t usually see people you interview both start a job and retire while you are still working at the same workplace,” says Scott Lilly, a guidance counselor at East who interviewed Ms. Bronson with Mr. Greener before she was first hired 10 years ago.

In retirement, “I would like to travel to Florida and Arizona to visit my family,” and “… go back to Italy one day.”