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 .

I sent two girls to the library with a list of books I needed for class. Knowing that Mrs. McFarland would most likely be busy with a class, I asked the girls if they knew how to find the books. They said they did. The girls returned with every book from the list and when I asked them if they had any trouble finding the books, they replied, “Mrs. McFarland had to help us, we would have never found them on our own!” Worried that I had caused interruption to her library class, I asked the girls if Mrs. McFarland had to leave the class she was with to help them. They said, “Oh, no! It was her lunch time! She was happy to help us!” As a teacher, I know lunch minutes are precious and few. I really appreciate you helping these girls help me during your lunch!

I received this among with 126 other students from all around the state of Maine at the Maine youth leadership seminar! I’m currently a high school junior wanting to make a difference and this story inspired me.

Mary brought a new idea to our assessment committee meeting today regarding standards-based report cards. While the idea was very good in and of itself, it was the way in which she introduced it that made me respect her. She brought data showing how the initial way was not in the best interest of the student, as well as examples of other methods to use that would be better. She was not at all hateful or sarcastic, and that really meant a lot to the administration. I feel that she helped make a difference in how our school will move forth with the standards-based grading concept, and she definitely was an important leader in our meeting today.

We were faced with a scheduling dilemma last Friday and Melissa Melton was instrumental in getting it back on track. I had to leave for a meeting and she took charge and kept working on it to ensure that all students got what they needed on our shortened days. This was no easy task, as one schedule affects many others in a school setting. I really appreciate Melissa stepping up to work on this!