English teacher Donna Rhodes has recently returned to De Soto High School after being gone for most of March because of brain surgery.

Rhodes underwent brain surgery because she had a artery pressing against the trigeminal nerve, which is a major nerve on the left side of the face. Her surgery was called vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve.

Many students, like sophomore Caroline Whipple, were very excited for the return of Rhodes.

“It was a great feeling to see Mrs. Rhodes back and better than ever,” Whipple said. “Everyone was smiling throughout class, and there was an excited and happy energy in the room.”

Students decorated Rhodes’ room in preparation for her return.  Some students, like sophomore Ally Barnhart were surprised to see the amount of effort students made to make Rhodes first day back one to remember.

“When we walked into the room for Mrs. Rhodes’ first day back, there were streamers and balloons everywhere,” Barnhart said. “Everyone was really excited for her first day back, especially with how touched she seemed because of the decorations.”

These students, including sophomore Kaitlyn Bell, wanted to make sure that Rhodes felt appreciated and comfortable on her first day back.

“It was really cool to see her back, and you could tell that she felt a lot better about coming back after everything that was put up around her room,” Bell said.

Rhodes feels very excited to finish out the school year on a great note.

“A lot of people thought I wouldn’t come back and I would just have a long term sub, but i’m glad to be back because I’m ending the year with a lot of things that I’m passionate about teaching.”