Loretta Long Recognized by Shawnee Heights

During halftime of the boys basketball game on December 1, 2017, Shawnee Heights recognized a very special person within the community. Loretta Long was taken by surprise when her children Terri, Ronnie and Jerrod along with four of her grandchildren escorted her to center court.

Long is the owner and operator of Starlite Skate Center on SE 45th Street. For nearly thirty years Long has made a positive impact on the Shawnee Heights community by providing our students and parents a safe place to gather and enjoy themselves. "What's so special about Loretta is not just that she has hosted skate parties over the years but that she has employed many students in our district," said Eric Deitcher, Vice President of the USD 450 Board of Education. 

In the near future, Long is planning on retiring however before she retired, Shawnee Heights School District wanted to show their appreciation. A gift was given to Long by each of the Shawnee Heights schools along with a gift from the Shawnee Heights High School Alumni Association. Board of Education President, Joel Manzanares, and Vice President Eric Deitcher presented her with a plaque recognizing and thanking her for her committed relationship to staff and students.


Shawnee Heights School District is grateful for Loretta Long and everything she had done. It is great to have patrons like her in the community.