We started last year to try to recognize more individuals from the Wyandotte Public Schools staff in our “of the year” process. We added a “Support Staff Member of the Year’ because we thought it was long overdue that we recognize some of the people who really make the school run. This list includes all of those who are not certified teachers but are nonetheless vital to the success of the entire organization.
There were a lot of nominations for this award. They were each heartfelt, well worded, and meaningful nominations for everything from teachers aids to secretarial staff to maintenance and janitorial staff. As a committee, we discussed each of them and asked ourselves “what made this year different?” and “how did these individuals set themselves apart as contributors?”
This year we faced challenges that have never been faced before. We were up against circumstances that there was no playbook for. We vote anonymously as a committee, and it came down to an even tie in the voting. We were fully supportive of both of these individuals receiving the award, especially in light of what we have just gone through. Can any of you in this community imagine weathering this storm without Lisa Garrett and Heather Brown manning their stations as secretaries of the elementary and middle school/high school?
We would like to add this information to separate posts to celebrate each of them individually, even if we are celebrating them as Co-Support Staff Members of the Year.
Heather Brown has served as the elementary secretary since August of the 2003/2004 school year. She has been in many ways the foundation of the elementary through multiple administrators, teachers, and a set of changes that has been never-ending. Many things have come and gone, and yet the consistency of Heather Brown holding the place together has stayed the same. She plays the role of mom, nurse, organizer-in-chief, and a million other hats. She is the face and the voice of the district for parents with elementary children. That is not a job she takes lightly. Here are some of the things said about Heather Brown by her peers:
Heather has been here many years and has endured so much change, especially during this last year. She is constantly the one in the know, training others, covering for others, and always so helpful and polite while doing it all. There is very little going on at Wyandotte Public Schools that she doesn't have a hand in in some way, shape, or form. She deserves to finally be recognized for all her years of service and for being the best at what she does!
Heather Brown is an invaluable employee for Wyandotte Elementary School. If I had to go without a raise to keep her here, I would. She knows EVERYONE in this area and uses that knowledge to keep students safe and to help staff understand underlying issues that might arise with students and families. She handles the stress in the office with a smile and with competency that always impresses me. She is the go-to for literally everything. I can't say for sure that this place would stop running without her, but it would be a near thing. She is the absolute best.
Heather Brown has gone above and beyond for a whole lot of years. She is the face of the Elementary side of WPS and a familiar voice to everyone in the town. She represents us well. This year, of all years, Heather has had to go above and beyond to adjust to the difficulties of COVID and has orchestrated a lot from the elementary side that none of us will ever know.
Heather’s building principals, Roxanne McCain and Jennie Butterfield, had this to say:
“Mrs. Heather is our rock!!! Mrs. Heather keeps our wheels turning every single day. She has been the Elementary Secretary for 18 years so she has all the knowledge that is necessary to keep our building and the district moving in the right direction. She builds lasting, positive relationships with students, their parents and guardians, teachers, support personnel and administrators. She is quick witted and able to jump into any situation with both feet in a moment’s notice. The elementary school would not be the fun and exciting place it is without our Mrs. Heather."
Help us so a big thank you to Heather Brown for everything she does and congratulate her on a long overdue recognition!