Logan-Rogersville R-VIII

It's Wildcat Wednesday! On Wednesdays, we spotlight a member of the LR Wildcat family.

This week we are introducing you to Tracy Thessing!

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Job Title:
Bus Driver

Tell us about your family:
Married 14 years to my husband Chris. I have 2 grown children - Travis & Shannon - both living in Colorado (where I lived 45 years prior to moving to Missouri in 2018). My daughter has 4 children of her own (Dylan, Jordyn, Kaylee & Ayverie). Just last month my granddaughter Kaylee had a baby girl (Aaliyah) - so now I'm a great grandma - what!? Chris & I have the best fur baby ever! Her name is Annie, she's a black lab & is 5 years old. We also have 20+ chickens...

How long have you worked for LR?
Just started this school year.

What is your favorite thing about working for LR?
I like working on my own, being independent. I also like the casual dress code. The kids are growing on me too - I have some real characters riding my bus (in a good way). And I like that I am able to make a difference & help out in the community.

What is something about you that might surprise people?
In Colorado, I worked at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for nearly 30 years. I was the Director of Animal Collections & had 65 employees under me as well as the entire animal collection. I also served on the Zoo's Emergency Response Team (ERT) in the capacity of Incident Commander (IC), Animal Department Manager (ADM), and was a member of the firearms team - otherwise known as the Dangerous Animal Response Team (DART). I have lots of Zoo stories!

What is your favorite quote?
"Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." (Edward O. Wilson)

What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
I did a lot of "weird" things at the zoo - not sure I can pick just one.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Something with animals.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Play acoustic guitar & piano.

What do you like to do when you're not at school?
Hang out with my hubby/friends at home, at a river or park, travel, and ride horses.

Welcome to the Wildcat family, Tracy!