Sandra (Sandy) Edwards, Secretary at Mulick Park Elementary

At Ken-O-Sha Park, Deb Davis greets scholars with a smile each morning as the school’s Nutritional Specialist. “I love starting their day with care and compassion,” she says. For Davis, it’s more than a job—it’s her way of giving back to the community that raised her.

At GR Montessori Academy, Roni Van Buren brings heart and history to the school library. As an Instructional Paraprofessional, she builds bridges between scholars, staff, and families—creating a warm, welcoming space where community and learning thrive.

Palmer Elementary 1st grade teacher Brittany Speck finds joy in the little moments—goofy smiles, surprise hugs, and the spark when a student learns something new. “Teaching has always been my calling,” she says. “Those everyday wins are what make it all worth it.”