Story by Bella Hunsberger
Exuberant, passionate, and dedicated were just a few of the words people used to describe Rita Frakes here at Andover Central High School. After her seven-year battle with cancer, Mrs. Frakes passed away this past July 5th surrounded by friends and family. Her contagious laugh and bright smile are missed in the hallways, but her unbreakable spirit continues to live on. When speaking about the memorial, Senior Adleigh Stedman shared, “There were a lot of people that showed up, and it just showed how many people she touched.” Rita Frakes made an immeasurable change in so many lives during her 41 years in education. Breckin Carmen, Junior, fondly remembers Frakes’ humorous spirit, “I think my favorite memory was meeting her freshman year and making a sign that said ‘best class ever’. She loved us so much, and we loved her as well.”
Mrs. Frakes was the embodiment of every wonderful thing here at Andover Central. Her classroom was a safe space for countless students and she was everyone’s number one fan. “I loved her so much. She was just always having a friendly face, and she was just the ultimate support system for anyone that needed her for any reason. It was great to get adjusted to a new school while having someone like that, who was truly invested in the kids and in helping me adjust,” said Mrs. Sprague when asked about her experience working so closely with Frakes. The impact of this woman can not be expressed in words; we can not measure a life so incredible as hers in days or years. Instead, she is remembered through the lives she changed and the people that she loved and was loved by. Andover Central will never quite be the same in her absence, but it is undeniable that her impact will continue to make this school a better place.
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