School says 'Thanks' during Administrative Professionals Week

Since the week of April 22 is set aside to honor Administrative Professionals, the administrators and staff at Heritage High School would like to recognize all the schools support personnel. While some of these people come and go each day without being seen by everyone, they do make a difference at Heritage.

Long before daylight, head custodian Jimmy Fagg and his staff begin their day. A second team of custodians work after the school day ends. Cafeteria manager Phyllis Nichols and her staff are also on the job in the pre-dawn hours. Both proper nourishment and a well-maintained facility enhance the learning process.

Before the staff arrives each day, administrative assistant Wilma Noe has already met with principal Patricia Mandigo about the days schedule, arranged for substitutes, delivered teachers mail and sent memos to the staff. Receptionist Pat Nelson is always busy answering the telephone and forwarding messages to both teachers and students.

All visitors to the school are greeted at the gate either by John Caughron or Ned Coker, who help to secure the safety of our main entrance. Inside the building, school resource officer Jeff Hicks is always prepared and his presence is felt throughout the school.

Maintaining accurate records of students schedule, attendance, grades and any special needs is handled at HHS by a group of professionals who never expect any applause. Guidance secretary Covelyn Tucker, Student Affairs secretary Rhonda Adams, attendance secretary Leah Miller and special education secretary Kim Byrd work hard every day, and often after school, to make certain all student information is accurate. If students become ill or are injured while at school, current and accurate information is necessary for nurse Mary Beth Blevins, whose professional care makes everyone feel better.

All of the schools financial transactions, which demand accuracy, are managed according to very strict guidelines by bookkeeper Delores Reagan in the Vocational office.

Additional support personnel move throughout the building, aiding in classroom instruction. Teachers depend on Maylynda Abbott, Theresa Asbury, Judy Bradner, Richard Cavanagh, Jami Clark, Bonnie Collins, Andrew Howdeshell, Rhonda Kear, Brett Lindsey, Delores McCarter, Patricia Niemeyer, Deborah Patton, Sandra Roberts, Mary Russell and Robbie Trentham to work with individual students or small groups who need additional assistance.

The jobs these people do are not easy, but they do them well. We hope that the community will join us in honoring them during the week.