Just outside the newly remodeled counseling center at Margaret Buerkle Middle School sits a soothing fountain.
Above that fountain is a dedication plaque and a photograph of the man the counseling center is now named after — retired principal and former counselor Jerry Langsdorf.
Current Buerkle Principal Scott Hayes recently conducted a dedication day for the counseling center to honor his former mentor.
Among the words on the plaque are three that ring true for everyone who knows Langsdorf — “Counselor to Many.”
At the dedication ceremony, several current and former Buerkle staff members, along with a few parents, shared memories of times spent with Langsdorf, according to a district news release.
Among those taking time to honor Langsdorf were Cliff Stratton, assistant principal at Buerkle when Langsdorf was counselor, and Mehlville Board of Education Secretary Marea Kluth-Hoppe, a parent at Buerkle when Langsdorf was principal.
Langsdorf served the Mehlville School District for more than 30 years as a teacher, counselor and principal.
He retired after the 2002-2003 school year, turning over the reins of Margaret Buerkle Middle School to Hayes.