Secretary spreads good cheer throughout Naperville school

If Donna Lanoue is having a great day, chances are everyone at Naperville’s Spring Brook Elementary School is having a great day.

Teachers and administrators alike say her infectious smile and never-ending good mood are just two reasons almost everyone in the Spring Brook community is thankful for the principal’s secretary.

“Donna calls all our students by name and has a little joke or a specific question for each. She greets students and staff with smiles and warms us with her love and genuine care,” said school Library Director Natalie Hoyle. “She sets the tone for the rest of the day for the whole school. We feel welcome here and she is much of the reason we like to be here and call this our Spring Brook home.”

Principal David Worst says he regularly receives compliments about Lanoue from parents whom she has assisted.

“The faculty are correct when they say Donna sets the tone. She is the first person anyone sees and she is an incredibly positive and welcoming person,” Worst said. “I’m thankful for Donna every day because she is an excellent employee and an even better person.”

Lanoue, a five-year employee at Spring Brook and 16-year employee of Indian Prairie Unit District 204, said she has always felt it was important to be a bright spot in the days of both children and peers she works with every day.

“Whether you’re at my home or at Spring Brook, I want you to be comfortable and happy that you are there,” she said. “That’s especially true at Spring Brook because I know how special the children feel when you know their names or something about their family.”

As for Donna, a lifelong Naperville resident, she said she’s thankful for her husband, two daughters and dog.

“They’ve all been very supportive and great to me,” she said. “I’m thankful for them all every day.”