Congratulations to this month’s Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award winners, Shannon Johnston (Bus Driver), and Ingrid Riddle (Secretary at Alton Darby Elementary).
“I gave Ingrid the nickname “Angel Ingrid” within the first month of meeting her and it’s no surprise to anyone in our building when they hear positive words about her either. Ingrid is a true gift to our building. I’m not sure I’ll be able to name all the ways she positively impacts our students, staff, and community, but I will name the ones that have stood out the most to me. As a kindergarten teacher, I have seen my fair share of nervous kiddos, especially during the first few days of school. We had a student in K this year who struggled to adjust. Ingrid became his person. He starts his morning in the office, picking out matching stickers to wear on his hand, that also match one on Ingrid’s hand, just to be a constant reminder throughout the day for each other to be brave. Big hugs come after holding hands and walking down the hallway to this child’s classroom. Angel Ingrid.
Another example of her remarkable work is when we as teachers feel the pressures and challenges of the job, she will be there, will listen to us cry, get angry and is always there to offer a hug, smile, words of encouragement and even candy, she is always stocked with the best candy. Angel Ingrid.
I have had numerous parents in my classroom comment on the “sweet secretary up front” who greets them with a smile, friendly tone and even when having to be the one to call them to let them know something happened with their child, she’s always calm, reassuring, respectful, and oh so loving! Angel Ingrid.
I could continue to ramble about the amazing woman that Ingrid is, but I hope this shows you a glimpse of the amazing human we get to call family at ADE. We are so lucky to have her with us. She is changing the world and I hope she always remembers that!”
“Mrs. Shannon was my kid’s bus driver from Kindergarten to 5th grade, they are now in 6th grade and still go to the bus stop a couple of days a week to say hi! Mrs Shannon truly cares about the kids on her bus and she has left permanent footprints in their lives! My kids always wanted to sit in the front with her as they always had meaningful conversations! She got them gifts on every holiday! And they always wanted to get her something too! If we saw her in public she always made an effort to come say Hi! It was always a positive experience sending my kids off to school with her, a lot of trust in her to get them there safely and home safely! She is a wonderful person who has touched the lives of so many kids! I feel she has helped raise my kids in their early years!”
These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of the Hilliard Way and truly make a difference in our district. If you know a staff member who goes above and beyond their way to make a difference, you can nominate them for next month’s award by clicking HERE!
