Woodland Primary secretary chosen for Those Who Excel recognition
Woodland Primary School secretary Stacy Leeper's experience dates back to when she was a child helping her mother, also a secretary, but in another school district.
Her mother worked there for more than 25 years, and while Stacy's time on the job so far is much shorter, she is making her mark: receiving recognition through the annual Those Who Excel award from the Illinois State Board of Education.
The state board annually sponsors the Those Who Excel honor to individuals who make significant contributions to the state's elementary and secondary school.
Excellence, Meritorious Service and Special Recognition awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teacher, school administrator/principal, student support personnel (licensed), educational service personnel (unlicensed), school board member/community volunteer, team, and early career educator.
Leeper is receiving Special Recognition in the educational service personnel category.
"Being at Primary is the first experience many families have with our district, and parents are often nervous. I like to help guide parents through the first steps, whether it's helping their child or the parents," she said.
Leeper was excited to learn she was nominated, and she expected to receive a letter of congratulations, but instead she will be receiving the honor in person when she travels to the Oct. 28 Those Who Excel education awards banquet in Bloomington-Normal.
"Stacy is an outstanding secretary and one of the most respected members of our Primary team," Primary Principal Stacey Anderson said. "Every student, parent or staff member that she comes in contact with feels her sincerity, genuine warmth and caring, making our office a welcoming place to be."
The principal, along with Assistant Principal Trina Metz; Erin Marquard, a kindergarten teacher; and Eva Pakulski, a parent, wrote letters of support for the nomination.
One letter said, "Stacy Leeper is a dedicated and caring woman who supports students, staff and families with a smile. She is the mortar that keeps Woodland Primary together."
A resident of the Woodland District 50 community, Leeper started working at Woodland eight years ago as a part-time attendance assistant at Woodland Elementary East. She also worked a few months as a temporary office assistant at Elementary West and then a full-time office assistant at Elementary East before becoming the building secretary five years ago at Woodland Primary.
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