THE LORANG’S: SAILING INTO THE SUNSET AFTER A TOTAL OF 97 YEARS

Rogene considers herself blessed to have taught for 49 years at St. Lambert, she includes teaching her children and five of her grandchildren in that sentiment. She met the love of her life at St. Lambert, Leo. Together they have touched the lives of over 7,000 students. They were gracious enough to sit down and answer some questions before they “sail into the sunset” according to Leo.

Leo and Rogene Lorang

How long have you each been a part of the Catholic school system and why did you choose a Catholic school?

LL As I was graduating from Sioux Falls College in 1975, Father Thomas Ryan, an old family friend, contacted me about teaching at St. Lambert. My first two years I taught sixth grade and physical education. The next two years I added the role of principal to my teaching duties. In the spring of my fourth year, Father Joseph Wagner, the principal at O’Gorman, contacted me about coming to O’Gorman to teach theology. This is my 44th year teaching freshmen theology.

RL When I graduated Dakota State in 1974, I was planning on going to the East Coast to find a teaching position. I came home instead because my mother was ill. At that time, a college friend told me about a fourth grade opening at St. Lambert. I was immediately interested and was hired by Father Thomas Ryan. I taught fourth grade for nine years, and then I moved to sixth grade for 40 years.

What can you tell us about your teaching experiences throughout the years in the Catholic school system?

LL Obviously it was quite a jump, and a learning curve, to go from teaching elementary to teaching freshmen. I also went from coaching college men at Sioux Falls College to coaching high school girls basketball. In the more recent past, the big changes have been the use of technology and our new facilities. The constant is that we have always had wonderful families, great leadership from our administrators, and dedicated and caring colleagues. And from those three groups we have always had high expectations in academics, in co-curricular activities, and in faith/ service.

RL I fell in love with St. Lambert School and teaching. The staff, throughout the years, have always been so supportive and such great mentors. The families, as well, have always been so welcoming and supportive. The students, most importantly, have left me with many great memories. Technology has certainly changed the classroom and expectations have increased over 49 years. I feel we are expecting much more out of our students today. The constant is the bond you feel with the students when you spend several hours a day with them for nine months; it’s like a family in many ways.

Do you have a favorite grade or age group you love teaching? What is it about that age that inspired you to teach for so many years?

LL I have really enjoyed teaching both sixth graders and ninth graders. They both bring so much energy to the classroom, and that makes it easy and enjoyable to feed off that.

RL I loved teaching fourth grade until I taught sixth grade. It’s fun having the oldest students in the school because of their independence, leadership, communication abilities, and energy.

Do you have a favorite subject to teach?

RL That’s a very difficult question because I enjoy teaching all subjects. Math and Literature are my favorites, but I also love reading to the class every afternoon after lunch.

What can you tell us about your coaching experiences in the Catholic school system?

LL When I visit with other former coaches they mostly share my sentiments that they miss practices more than games, teaching basketball more than coaching basketball, and miss all of the relationships you get to enjoy: your players, your fellow coaches, and the coaches you compete against. Sports provide such a healthy outlet to establish these relationships.

Can you share one funny memory of your teaching time?

RL When I moved to sixth grade, I stopped reading to the students after lunch as I thought the curriculum was more demanding. About that time a former student was loading groceries into my car and asked me if I was still reading to the students after lunch. I explained why I wasn’t. His response was, “That was the best part of the day!” Needless to say, I started reading to the class again.

Can you tell us about a time when you didn’t think teaching was for you (did you ever question your vocation as a teacher?)

LL Since I was a seventh grader, when I realized I probably would not be a professional athlete, I always knew I would be a teacher/coach. I loved school and we had many educators in our family. I always assumed that I would end up in a small South Dakota town and coach several sports. I don’t remember ever having a moment when I wanted to leave teaching. I’ve always enjoyed it and felt blessed to be a part of our Catholic system.

RL I am the oldest of nine children, enjoyed a lot of babysitting, and was even a nanny for a family on the East Coast. I have wanted to be a teacher since career days in ninth grade. I have never regretted my choice to be a teacher, especially in a Catholic school. It has been a wonderful career, and like Leo, I feel blessed to have been at St. Lambert for 49 years.

What was it like being in the Catholic school system together and managing that work/life balance?

LL The most obvious benefit of teaching together is that is how we met. It took a lot of convincing Rogene to go on a date with me, but now it’s a fun story. Another obvious benefit is that we have been on the same schedule all these years, and not just us, but also our kids all the way through high school. Summers and every vacation during the year we were able to be together, to get out of town or just hang at home. Very few families get to enjoy that. Being in the system together made it easier to share our faith with one another and with our kids.

RL It did take some convincing to go out with Leo, but it was a great decision! Ditto to Leo’s answer.

What do you plan to do now that you are retired?

LL and RL We both love to get in the car and go. We have driven in all 48 contiguous states and had great vacations with our kids when they were younger. We now take grandkids coast to coast on memory filled trips. We have family around the country, so lots of trips are already planned. We also have a two week trip in Europe planned for October. When we aren’t traveling, we plan to be available to sub at our former schools. We also now have the opportunity to volunteer with community programs.

What advice would you give to those just starting out teaching at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic schools?

LL and RL Be yourself and be real. You don’t have to know everything. Kids will relate to you a lot better if you are not trying to impress them or come across as phony. Lesson plans are everything. Just stating the obvious, but if kids are engaged there is more learning. Well constructed lesson plans will take care of most of your discipline issues. You have great colleagues and administrators. Lean on them. Wear them out with your questions. Most important — invite and rely on the Holy Spirit all day every day.

Anything else you’d like to share?

LL One of the best parts for both of us is that throughout our careers every day we go to work we are only steps away from the Body of Christ in the tabernacle. Not many people get to enjoy that privilege. I also thought it was a privilege that when celebrating Mass each Wednesday we often had various priests from the city presiding. I so enjoy the variety of homilies, messages, and challenges they shared with our staff and students. I’ve worked with nearly 7,000 students, I don’t have that same name recognition that I used to pride myself on. I hope my former students are understanding because it is those relationships in the classroom that make teaching so enjoyable.

RL For sure, remembering names is difficult. One other thing I haven’t mentioned that is so meaningful is the opportunity to start every day with prayer and praying throughout the day. It adds a whole new dimension to a warm and caring classroom.

The community of Bishop O’Gorman is grateful for having had the pleasure and opportunity to know Leo and Rogene, for being blessed to have them with us for 49 years, and for allowing us to be a part of their story. Congratulations on your retirement. May God bless you both!