It’s not a goodbye forever, just for now to one of Sahuaro’s wonderful PE teachers – Susie Ribaudo. Though she has been a teacher at Sahuaro for the last eight years, she was originally a middle school PE teacher for 30 years, working at various schools such as Wakefield, Mansfeld, Townsend, and Secrist.  Her journey to Sahuaro came about uniquely.  Ribaudo was already out of the education system, taking a much-needed break when Vice Principal RJ Lundstrom convinced her Sahuaro needed her. The two go way back to their high school days at our rival school, Sabino.  He admits he played Ribaudo into a full-time position by convincing her first to sub here, then just do a semester, and eight years later, she is finally going to resume her (even more so now) needed break.

Lundstrom says, “I have known Susie Ribaudo since my freshman year in high school when we were on the Sabino Swim Team. She was the awesome junior that ALL freshmen boys had a crush on. She was a combination of tough…she was a stone-cold fox. Most importantly, Susie was always real, what you see is what you get – straightforward and honest. If you needed a kick…she’d give it to you.  You’d better put on your big boy pants because you wanted her respect. That was important.  She is the same now. Straight forward, a good friend, loyal, and honest. Still a Fox.”  He would like his dear old high school friend to know, “She is a great teacher and mentor to kids, a tough old-school teacher and loved, especially loved. I know I love her and know that the next phase for her and Ross will be remarkable and that they will make stories worth telling.”

Mrs. Ribaudo has loved the relationships she has built here at Sahuaro from the teachers to the students. Playing pickleball and volleyball with her students will be one of the many things she is going to miss. Senior Se’Kara Reed said, “I remember when we were online that it was hard for her to teach physical education because we weren’t in person. However, she was so positive and tried to make each Zoom meeting fun and interactive.” Students appreciate the dedication and help that she put into her teaching, no matter where or how she did it.

Fellow PE teacher, Mr. Click, said, “I have worked with Mrs. Ribaudo for the last 7 years – she has been my work mom. I am sad to see her go but happy for her at the same time.” Many teachers have said that she gives great advice and always makes you feel better when you are having a bad day.  Mr. Kruszewski said, “Her experience added a tremendous amount to making us all better. She is a legend and we will miss her!”

Her dearest friend Dani Kinter had much to say as well.  “I met Mrs. Ribaudo during my first year at Sahuaro, which was also my first year teaching high school. She occasionally subbed for me during that year and I got to know her well. She came to Sahuaro full time my second year and has been with me ever since. She is like a Mom to me and the entire PE department. She has taught me so much as a PE teacher. Mrs. Ribaudo’s years of teaching and knowledge have been such a blessing to me. She taught many years in middle school but it translated to high school seamlessly. I can go to her with any questions or advice and it is always helpful. She will be sorely missed in the PE department and especially by me. I will miss her daily guidance and motherly protectiveness. I wish her the best in her retirement. I know she will be busy with her travels, horses, and plants. I know she has built long-lasting relationships with many students which I find to be the best thing about her since she has been teaching for so long. She always finds a way to connect with them and we will miss that greatly.”

Mrs. Ribaudo and Ms. Kinter have established a great relationship throughout the years. After her retirement, Mrs. Ribaudo promised, “Though Ms. Kinter never really takes sick days, I will sub for her anytime.” The two plan to stay in contact and hang out because they enjoy each other’s company, well, when Mrs. Ribaudo is around.  She plans on having fun after her retirement, visiting her best friend in Spain and another friend in Italy.

Mrs. Ribaudo will truly be missed around campus next year. On behalf of Sahuaro High School, we wish her the best of luck and a happy retirement. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar.