After 30 years of working for in Eden Prairie Schools, registrar Midge Elder is headed toward reaching a new chapter in her life. This chapter will begin Jan. 31 with a more than satisfactory journey to Mexico during the month of February. However, before she jumps into an entirely new experience in her life, she must first take time to appreciate the many memories of her past.
Elder is very grateful for her two altruistic awards received at EPHS. One was granted by the music department, the other at a recent pep fest by the athletic department. Students may know her office best for the humorous amount of frog paraphernalia present inside. “My frogs are just part of those funny little collections that start with jokes, and it’s actually gotten to be really nice because every once in a while students will bring in additions that they have made or gotten on a trip,” said Elder.
The success she has portrayed as a registration coordinator has much to do with her respectful, understanding character along with her keen parental nature. After raising two children of her own, she has also acquired much admiration and tolerance for teens. “Teenagers are bright, interesting, and for the most part, fun to be around. You really have to like kids to take this job,” said the registrar.
Raised in a small town, the population and size of Eden Prairie High School remains a shocking realization for Elder. “Growing up in a little known town of Nebraska, I graduated with a class of only about 36 students,” she said. This experience caused the registrar to have an entirely different perspective on high school than students here at EPHS. About the school she works for today, “There isn’t anything you can’t do in an environment this large; there are just so many choices,” says Elder.
The work Elder has been doing for many years here has much to do with coordinating the schedules of students. However, our government plays an active role in her career as well. “The workers at the registration offices must always be on their toes, ready to adjust programs to meet the graduation standards made by government, such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,” she said.
“We’re going to miss her personality and profound knowledge of EPHS,” said Kristen Spaeth of Student Center South. When looking to the future of EPHS and Elder, students needn’t worry. The school will be sure to seek out a suitable new registrar, while Elder enjoys her luxurious walks along the beaches of Mexico.
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