A Plus Coordinator Ms. Patti Horner. Standing outside her room during the passing period saying good morning to students. She welcomes her students into her office with a warm smile. Ms.Horner’s room is neatly set up for her and the students that come to her. She sits down at her desk and brings up the student’s information and begins to check the status of the program.

Ms. Horner finished her 16th year at Fort Osage High School as the college advisor and retired after the 2021 Fall Semester. She loved working at the school, and was pleasantly surprised herself on how much she loved working with highschool students.

“It’s bitter sweet,” Ms. Horner said. “I’m ready because I’m that age, it’s going to be pretty tough because I’m used to working with the kids.” 

Along with being the A Plus Coordinator Ms.Horner has led the Fort Osage Youth Advisory Council of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Senior Evan Funk believes Ms. Horner has helped him in more ways than one. 

“Ms. Horner has helped me in many ways,” Funk said. “I’m not using A Plus for college, but she has done much more than that for me and many others and is always willing to help in any way she can. And has been a reliable source of joy every day I’ve been at Fort Osage High School.”

Ms. Horner worked for Independence School District for almost four years and before that worked for Wydell and Reed as a supervisor for 15 years. Senior Lola Hughes loves the vibe that Horner gives off. 

“I love Mrs Horner’s energy,” Hughes said. “There is not one person I can think of that can’t put a smile on their face. She really connects deep with her students and isn’t just a teacher to most. I know that since my freshman year I have looked to her for answers to many obstacles I’ve faced, and she always seems to have the right answer.”

Ms. Horner plans to retire to “the lake life” and enjoy time with her family.

Ms. Horner finishes her interview with the student and sets up a time table to make sure they finish their tutoring hours during the summer. The student thanks her and exits the room and Ms. Horner returns to her agenda to see the next student she will help.