Administrative assistant Teresa Sloan was recently named the school’s Classified Employee of the Year for her work managing student attendance, substitute coordination and building and maintenance work orders.
“[The award] means that I’m appreciated—that even though I sit in my office and do my work, everybody appreciates what I do,” Sloan said.
One of those individuals who appreciates Sloan is Evelin Coronado, an administrative assistant who also works in the front office.
“[Ms. Sloan] is the best coworker I’ve ever had, and she’s always willing to help everyone in any way possible,” Coronado said. “I feel like no one deserves the prize more than she does. I think it is really good that she is getting the recognition she deserves for all of her hard work.”
Sloan said that the past three school years have been especially difficult since the pandemic—especially in its early phases—limited her opportunities to assist and connect with students and faculty.
“The worst moment [during my time at school] was when we had COVID and we were out all that time,” Sloan, who has worked at the school for nine years, said. “I missed the student interactions—doing IDs and all that.”
The pandemic has also meant that teachers who contracted COVID or showed potential symptoms needed substitute teachers, an area that Sloan oversees and has had to work hard to fill.
“Especially in this last year, [Sloan] is always awesome helping teachers find coverage for their classes,” English teacher Bradley Mitchell said. “She’s also just really fun to talk to. This last year she’s worked really hard to make sure we’ve had emergency coverage for last minute absences and COVID absences.”
Students who arrive late to school or need to check out early have also likely benefitted from Sloan’s commitment to her job.
“She is always super responsive, and I can always reach out to her with any questions regarding attendance,” senior Amelia Stephenson said. “She always allows me to do what is best for me in terms of doing my online school at home.”
All of Sloan’s efforts, social studies teacher Bill Melega said, make her like “the ultimate mom.”
“I think she is one of the most fabulous and wonderful people that work in the building,” Melega said. “She takes all of that responsibility on herself and deals with it.”
Sloan appreciates the recognition that the award brings, though she expresses a genuine admiration for her job and the people around her.
“The best time [at school] is every day. It’s fun every day,” Sloan said. “Everybody is so nice. It’s just a joy to work here.”
