UNSUNG HEROES 2022
Lawson consistently communicates with families thoughtfully with a practical plan for treatment and that she coordinates seamlessly with teachers to give students access to medical services , while minimizing instructional-time loss .
“ Missy is an exceptional , professional , role model for our students ,” wrote Osborne , noting how Lawson modeled the value of education by completing her bachelor ’ s degree and pursing her graduating degree while continuing to serve Whitley County students .
“ I am so proud to have Missy as part of our Colonel family here at WCHS ,” Osborne wrote . “ She far exceeded the expectations in the most challenging of circumstances .”
7 . LARRY WIDENER
Larry Widener has been a member of the Whitley County School District ’ s family since before Superintendent John Siler can recall .
“ I ’ ve been in the district 22 years , and I can ’ t remember Larry not being there ,” Siler said after he and members of the Whitley County School Board honored Widener as their Above and Beyond recipient for November 2021 .
“ Larry goes above and beyond in so many ways ,” Siler said of the Whitley North Elementary custodian .
Siler said it wasn ’ t uncommon to see Widener out in front of the school in the early mornings helping students in and out of their vehicles , or for him to help load students onto buses in the evenings . And when it ’ s raining out , Siler said Widener could be seen doing the same , with an umbrella in hand , trying to keep students dry as he helped , exemplifying what it means to go above and beyond one ’ s job title .
While recognizing Widener in November ,
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Siler said there had been a period in which many members of Whitley North ’ s cafeteria staff had to call-in to work sick . He said Widener jumped in and immediately assisting where he could .
“ It would be so easy for a person to say , ‘ Man , the kitchen staff sure is struggling today ,’ but he doesn ’ t do that ,” Siler said of Widener . “ He jumps right in and helps and goes above and beyond .”
Because of his willingness to help in whatever way he can , Siler said Whitley North Principal Larry Brown had leaned on Widener for a lot of different things throughout the years .
“ We appreciate you ,” Siler said presenting Widener a plaque . “ I know Mr . Brown does ,” he added . “ And we want to thank you , Larry , for all the things that you do for the kids at Whitley North .”
8 . LLOYD CARTER
“ Though several of his responsibilities and tasks are obvious , the seriousness and in-depth preparation that takes place is not so transparent ,” Whitley County School District Director of Transportation Bobby Blakley wrote of bus driver trainer Lloyd
Carter in a letter recommending Carter for August ’ s Above and Beyond award .
Carter was recognized by members of the Whitley County School Board in August 2021 for being named the recipient of that month ’ s Above and Beyond award , given to the district employee who exemplifies going above and beyond the duties of their job .
As the district ’ s bus driver trainer , Superintendent John Siler said Carter was responsible for helping train 60 drivers who drive approximately 3,000 miles a day around the county picking up and dropping off Whitley County students . For example , Carter teaches drivers how to perform general inspections of the district ’ s buses before they take off on their trips .
“ Techniques are taught from not only the legal side of operating a bus , but Lloyd also shares his personal experiences to help them to become more efficient , not only for bus operations , but also managing students during the ride , loading and unloading of students ,” Blakley wrote .
Blakley said Carter also helps ensure those 60 drivers keep their certifications and trainings which allow them to transport students .
“ Lloyd is an asset to his colleagues and this department ,” wrote Blakley . “ To my knowledge , he ’ s never refused helping anyone with a request . He demonstrates positive and uplifting behaviors , setting a great example of what a team player means . He ’ s a dedicated employee and I am proud nominate him for the Above and Beyond Award .”
9 . VICKIE REEVES
School Cafeteria Manager Vickie Reeves was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the students of Whitley Central Intermediate during a Whitley County School Board meeting in February 2021 , in which she was honored as the recipient of that month ’ s Above and B e y o n d Award .
In presenting the award to Reeves , Superintendent John Siler said he had received an email from Whitley Central Intermediate School Principal Susan Brashear praising Reeves and her staff and recommending Reeves for the award .
In her email , Brashear said Reeves and her