Q&A with attendance interventionist Lola Richbourg

By Alma M.

In this Q & A interview article, interviewed one of my favorite school staff members. She has been so kind to me from the time I've met her. She is the sweetest most kind hearted staff member that I know. She helps out a lot around the school, always making sure you're caught up with your work, attendance, and seat time. I am going to be interviewing Mrs. Richbourg, the school's on-time graduation coach and attendance interventionist.

Alma: Mrs. Richbourg, what do you do at Airport High School?

Mrs. Richbourg: I am the graduation coach and attendance interventionist. My job is to make sure attendance doesn’t stop seniors from graduating and to help underclassmen recover excessive absences through seat time. I also work with students who are truant to prevent them from having to go to Family Court.

Alma: How does it feel to be the graduation coach and attendance interventionist at Airport High School?

Mrs. Richbourg: I always cry when I see seniors I’ve worked with walk across the stage. Seeing students make up seat time and earn all of their credits brings me so much joy. I love kids—that’s why I’m still here at Airport, doing what I do.

Alma: Why did you decide to become the graduation coach and attendance interventionist at Airport High School?

Mrs. Richbourg: Back in 2009, when I retired from teaching, the principal at that time called me about a small job as an attendance interventionist. At first, I said no—I had just retired after teaching for 35 years. But I changed my mind and agreed to do it for one year. I found great satisfaction working with students. When I see them succeed, it warms my heart. Later, Mr. Schilit asked me to add the graduation coach role to focus on seniors, which I happily did.

Alma: How long do you plan to continue in this role?

Mrs. Richbourg: It’s funny—my family jokes that I’ll probably be here until they close the school! As long as I feel needed and able, I’ll stick around for a few more years.

Alma: What school did you attend for high school?

Mrs. Richbourg: I graduated from Eau Claire High School, a year early because I had earned extra credits. I then went to USC, earning a Bachelor's in English and a Master’s in Education.

Alma: What was your high school experience like?

Mrs. Richbourg: It was great! I do regret graduating early—I missed out on prom and football games. I’m still close with six of my high school friends. I was involved in Student Council, played basketball, and participated in several academic clubs.

Alma: What position did you play in basketball, and what academic clubs were you in?

Mrs. Richbourg: I was a roving forward on a half-court team. Academically, I was in the National Teacher Association and National Honor Society.

Alma: What was your favorite subject in school?

Mrs. Richbourg: English. I became an English teacher because I had a crush on one of my teachers in seventh grade.

Alma: If you could go back to any grade, which would it be?

Mrs. Richbourg: Seventh grade. I had just moved to a new junior high school and met my lifelong friends there. I really loved that school.

Alma: What is a favorite memory of yours?

Mrs. Richbourg: I have several. My first date with my husband, nine days later he asked me to marry him—we’ve been married almost 53 years. Seeing Elvis Presley in concert, holding my boys for the first time, and watching them become parents are also special memories.

Alma: How many children do you have?

Mrs. Richbourg: Two boys, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Alma: Do you have any pets?

Mrs. Richbourg: Yes, I live on a farm. We have cows, chickens, pigs, a donkey named Oreo, a horse named Dixie, and a German Shepherd named Lady.

Alma: So you prefer the countryside over the city?

Mrs. Richbourg: Oh yes. I absolutely love farm life—except when it’s really cold and I have to feed the animals. I also enjoy growing my own food.

Alma: Is there a place you’d like to visit that you haven’t yet?

Mrs. Richbourg: Ireland—that’s where my ancestors are from.

Alma: What has been your ultimate favorite vacation?

Mrs. Richbourg: Two weeks in Hawaii for my 25th anniversary. It was beautiful—I saw whales, went snorkeling, visited Pearl Harbor, and toured where Elvis filmed Blue Hawaii. I’m a huge Elvis fan, so it was amazing.

Alma: Sounds like a wonderful vacation with lasting memories. Thank you so much for letting me interview you and learn more about your life, Mrs. Richbourg. I really enjoyed it!

Mrs. Richbourg’s dedication to her students is evident in every story she shares. From helping students recover seat time to celebrating their graduations, she demonstrates a deep commitment to their success and well-being. Beyond her role at Airport High, her rich personal history, love for her family, and passion for the countryside reveal a woman who values community, relationships, and making a positive impact. Her work continues to inspire both students and colleagues alike.