Renee' "Barbara" Kraus Ponik

Profile Updated: July 26, 2021
Residing In: Orlando, FL USA
Spouse/Partner: Kevin James Ponik
Homepage: I use facebook
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Occupation: Engineer doing Facility Management
Children: Harris James Ponik - (born 1990)
Kristina Celene Ponik - (born 1993)
Who referred you to this site:

Verna Boyd Gordon

Comments:

When I was at Evans, I just blended in, and I liked it that way. I liked school, liked most everyone, and enjoyed the show. It's funny in hindsight, when I went to college, everyone there thought I was absolutely crazy fun, I hope I was always fun, just not sure I was certifiable crazy yet. I left that for my legal years (smile).

Did you follow the career path you had planned in high school?

No, I was going to do social work. Got to college, Mississippi State (father was an alumni, and very cheap to go to school there, cheaper than a Florida school), and "majored" in sociology. Took the basic 2 years of courses, switched to Anthropology (wanted to help communities transition when new or evolving events meant there would be a clash in cultures). Finished up all my course work for the 4 year degree in 2 years, and was asked to present a paper I had published at a national gathering. Long story short, I found out archeologists (at least successful ones) are not always concerned about a cultures heritage. Anyway, left the national conference, and promptly changed majors. Was dating a chemical engineer at the time, decided I was as smart as he was and there you go, my major was chosen. Later married a civil engineer in college for about 2 seconds (seriously, another very long funny story). Graduated single, moved to California after getting a job to work on the Shuttle (it was going to be launched at one time from CA too). After the challenger accident, moved back to FL and got a job with NASA. Been there ever since. Met my husband through my sister's husband, had a son, got married (yes in that order). Went back to school at UCF while pregnant with my daughter, got my master's in Industrial Engineering. Now I do master planning for the Kennedy Space Center, which includes space utilization, real property, and facility management. So did I follow my career path? Not sure I ever really thought about a career path, I did become a mom, that was my real career goal. Not sure how successful I've been at it, but I have to say, I still enjoy each day.

It's Saturday Night: Where were you THEN?

At a disco across town. Yeah, hate to admit it, but since I was a geeky nerd, had to find guys that didn't know that. Usually went with either Elaine Purvinis or Jill Lynn. The memories still make me smile.

It's Saturday Night: Where are you NOW?

Being a taxi driver for my daughter and her friends for part of the night. Then usually watching a netflix film with my husband and son for the rest of it.
UPDATE: Kids are adults now. Both still at home, and I have the pleasure of adding my daughter's boyfriend to the mix. So, my husband and I are watching movies with the 3 dogs & 9 cats. Daughter works at a vet office, she collects pets.

What kind of car did you drive in high school? Did you carpool? If so, with whom?

CAR? Are you kidding me. I might be able to borrow my dad's car (brown toyota, which I later had an accident in at college when I borrowed it for a semester, needless to say, even though it wasn't my fault, had to depend upon the kindness of strangers and their cars after that... smile). I carpooled with Tina Newcomb sometimes, but for part of my high school years, I got the great pleasure of carpooling with Cindy Savage and her brother Dale. What a HUNK he was. He also picked up Andy L.? Anyway, thanks Cindy for asking me to carpool. WOW!

What are your best and worst high school memories?

Worst, really didn't have any. I actually liked most everyone and enjoyed Evans. Best, well, me and some friends did spike the National Honor Society punch at the end of the year. Now I know if someone was in AA, that was a horrible thing to do, but didn't know it then. Sorry if I harmed anyone! Being the nerd I was, even though it was questioned, no one ever dreamed I would do such a thing.

I am on:

Facebook: B. Renee' Ponik

Renee' "Barbara"'s Latest Interactions

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Jul
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Jul 07, 2023 at 4:33 AM
Jul 07, 2022 at 4:33 AM
Jul 26, 2021 at 9:17 AM
My son dressed nicely, but acting goofy. Probably a frat function. Still attending UCF.
Jul 26, 2021 at 9:16 AM
Jul 07, 2021 at 4:33 AM
Jul 07, 2020 at 4:33 AM
Jul 17, 2019 at 8:46 AM
Jul 07, 2019 at 4:33 AM
Jul 07, 2018 at 4:33 AM
Apr 13, 2018 at 8:31 AM
Apr 13, 2018 at 8:29 AM
Me, playing doctor at a recent minor medical procedure for my daddy.
Apr 13, 2018 at 8:25 AM
Native passed away, we soon opened our home to Red; another sweet ex-racer.
Apr 13, 2018 at 8:14 AM
Kristina, her boyfriend, William, and their sweet dog, Thaison. The only grandbaby I have, so far.
Renee' "Barbara" Kraus Ponik has a birthday today. New comment added.
Jul 07, 2017 at 8:46 PM

Posted on: Jul 07, 2017 at 4:33 AM

Jul 07, 2016 at 4:33 AM
Renee' "Barbara" Kraus Ponik posted a message. New comment added.
Feb 04, 2016 at 10:27 PM

Posted on: Feb 04, 2016 at 7:15 AM

Happy Birthday Derek.

Sep 29, 2015 at 9:02 AM

Always nice to see what you are up to Sally. I too am looking at full time retirement options. Unfortunately, I still have both my children in college, they seem to be on the very very slow track. Son will graduate in December from UCF but is planning on attending law school (ugh), just what the world needs, another lawyer (no offense to my lawyer friends...smile). Daughter has struggled with finding her calling, but has opted to pursue being a vet tech. Going to go to school in Brevard county, starting in January. I hope it takes...lol. If she settles in, I will retire in 2 years when she graduates; if she doesn't stick to it, I will probably retire sooner. NASA has been good to me, but I am ready to retire to Mississippi and live a slower, quieter life.

Renee' "Barbara" Kraus Ponik has a birthday today. New comment added.
Jul 07, 2016 at 1:18 PM

Posted on: Jul 07, 2015 at 4:34 AM

Jul 28, 2014 at 9:58 AM
Jul 08, 2014 at 10:55 AM
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Posted: Jul 26, 2021 at 9:16 AM
Posted: Apr 13, 2018 at 8:30 AM
Me, playing doctor at a recent minor medical procedure for my daddy.
Posted: Apr 13, 2018 at 8:26 AM
Native passed away, we soon opened our home to Red; another sweet ex-racer.
Posted: Apr 13, 2018 at 8:15 AM
Kristina, her boyfriend, William, and their sweet dog, Thaison. The only grandbaby I have, so far.
Posted: Jul 08, 2014 at 10:39 AM
My Dad, still doing well. Lives across the street from me in east Orlando. Love you daddy.
Posted: Jul 08, 2014 at 10:38 AM
My sister, Stephanie, and her husband Mark. Married in 2011. She was in the class of 1978.
Posted: Jul 26, 2021 at 9:17 AM
My son dressed nicely, but acting goofy. Probably a frat function. Still attending UCF.
Posted: Jul 08, 2014 at 10:41 AM
Son, Harris, only non-drinking photo I could pull from his facebook page.
Posted: Jul 08, 2014 at 10:43 AM
My daughter (Kristina) standing with her date, Bryan, and her best friend Tara at her 2011 senior prom.
Posted: Jul 08, 2014 at 10:44 AM
One of many selfies by daughter Kristina. Yes, she apparently loves poking holes in herself. No tattoos yet.




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