Kelly Mitchell might be a custodian according to payroll, but he is so much more than that to the students of Taylor Co. Elementary School. He celebrates students’ accomplishments and birthdays, he reads with students, he defends students when they are being mistreated, and he makes sure a smiling face is the first thing students see as they exit their cars. He is a motivator, mentor, and positive role model for our students, and he makes a significant difference in the lives of our students every day.

Holly is an ECE teacher in my school. Whenever I ask her to do something for kids, she always says yes with a smile. She never complains. This morning, despite having pulled a muscle in her leg and being in pain, she was standing outside getting students out of their cars. This is her morning duty. She was greeting students with a smile. Most of us would not have been on duty this morning. We would have said we couldn’t because we were hurt. However, Holly was out there getting children out of their cards with a smile on her face. She made their day and mine.

Melissa is a first grade teacher. She is being given this card by her principal. Recently, we had an extremely different situation arise with a student in our school. Melissa welcomed this student with open arms. When Melissa was told this student was being placed in her classroom, she did not bat an eye. She gracefully said I will take this student and immediately began brainstorming ways to make the student comfortable. I appreciate Melissa’s positive attitude and willingness to work for the good of this student. She may not have realized that her action in this simple moment spoke volumes about her composition as a person.

Lisa has been very helpful to me during the book fair. She has given up her planning time to run a register, bag items and assist the kids during the book fair. I know that I would not be able to have a successful book fair without her!!

i have been trying to do better this year as a young man.This guy needed some shoes and i had some new new balance shoe.He came to school was shorts with cowboys boots. And this other guy comes to with the same things most days, so i give him all the old hollister shirts.

I am a teacher at an elementary school and the principal gave all teachers a book with a card included. She has no idea how much I needed to hear that I am important and I make a difference that day.

I am giving the card to my mom. She is an unbelievable person and a strong, loving Christian woman. She has always been my best friend and is my biggest supporter. She continues to make a difference in my life every day. And in my children’s life. She is so very significant to me.

I have the pleasure of working with Robin Graham, 2nd grade teacher at Taylor County Elementary School, this year as she creates a self-paced environment for her students in math. Robin continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to personalize learning for her students and ensure that their unique needs are being met. Even though creating this type of learning environment can be tiring, Robin is willing to do whatever it takes. She recently updated the looks of her unit checklists so that they are easier to navigate, and more appealing to students. There is no doubt in my mind with her work ethic and dedication, that she will create an amazing self-paced model for 2nd grade!

I went to a leadership seminar this past spring and one of the advisors there gave it to me because she learned I was a junior firefighter. Upon giving it to me she thanked me for all that I do in my community even if it wasn’t her’s

Hi everyone, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am married to my wonderful husband of thirty years and we have two beautiful children that are now adults. My son recently married the love of his life, Erica who we love. As my kids move on with their lives I will move forward with mine. I have been in the school system for thirteen years now as a full time employee. I started off as a voulunteer when my kids were young and then became a sub. custodian. Not long afterwards I was hired as a full time custodian. I worked at an elementary school for four years until I was transferred to Muhlenberg South Middle School. After working many years as a night employee I was moved to dayshift. I was very hesitant about taking dayshift and to be honested I was scared. I wasn’t use to being with the people and I didn’t know for sure how it would be. I discovered dayshift was certainly busy and full of adventure, but so rewarding, I entered a mission field without ever leaving my home town, WOW! I was quickly accepted by all my wonderful South Middle family and the students were amazing. I love everyone one of them and hope to make a significant difference in their lives.

Brandon works as a behavior specialist in an elementary school. Brandon works with a broad spectrum of needs. Some needs are mild simply needing redirection. Other needs are extreme and may become physical. No matter the need of the student, Brandon never says he can not meet their need. When students are referred to him, he does not make excuses. He simply says, “come with me” and takes them by the hand. I appreciate his openness and willingness to work with students. Though his job is tough and often times thankless, Brandon does not complain. I appreciate him accepting students with a positive attitude though it would be easy to become negative . Thank you for being such an important part of our school .