Lori Hunter Makes A Difference at CUES!

Lori Hunter is an amazing lady and Columbia School District employee.  Her caring attitude and intense concern for Columbia students has taken her from working with preschoolers, to Options High School, to Columbia Elementary, and now to Columbia Upper Elementary, where she serves as the administrative assistant to the principal.

Mrs. Hunter said that she is, “so proud to have been recognized by my peers with the ‘You Make a Difference’ award.  It came as a complete shock, but what an honor!”  She continued by saying that she feels, “so appreciated and thankful for the staff at Columbia Upper Elementary School.  I work with such amazing people that go above and beyond each and every day!”

Lori Hunter mentioned that “the best job in the world is to be able to spend each day helping children and families. Yes, at times it is stressful, but working hard for this school district and community is my passion. Every day, I get to do something that I love and hope to make a difference. All I know is that I would not trade it for the world!”

Mrs. Hunter loves her position at Columbia Upper Elementary.  She said that she receives much joy and hugs every day.  She continued by saying that, “It warms my heart and it keeps me going!” She added, “Every day the students bring a smile to my face and I love to watch them grow!”

Mrs. Hunter is a Golden Eagle for life!  She commented that, “I have had the pleasure of working with generations of families. Many of those I once had as students at COHS now have children of their own. It is incredible to see those I once had as students now flourish as parents.”  She continued by saying, “I am proud to say that it is an honor to be a part of this amazing school district that I call part of my family and it is a “Great Day to be a Golden Eagle!”

Making A Difference Every Day: Kristy Hannewald!

Columbia Options High School administrative assistant Kristy Hannewald was honored with the “You Make A Difference Award” this year.  Kristy is well loved by the students and staff members at Options High School.  When asked what she liked about her position at Options High School, she said, “Working with the students here at Columbia is rewarding to me. I enjoy being a part of the students’ development, as I help create a loving atmosphere and a constant in their lives.”

Kristy Hannewald began as an integral Columbia School District team member in the transportation department as a driver and secretary.  During her time serving the Columbia School family she has also been the Columbia Community Fitness Center Director and the Columbia Central Junior High secretary.  Her love for supporting our students, teachers, and community members has made interactions with Kristy a positive experience. 

Kristy works to motivate the Columbia Options High School students by encouraging them to exceed their expectations and their past academic performance.  Her caring and nurturing spirit supports the students both academically and socially.  She said that, “The position that I hold at the Alternative building has been so positive. In the two years that I have held the position, I have been able to listen and direct some students in a positive direction to help them accomplish their goals.”

Mrs. Hannewald is greatly appreciated by her fellow staff members.  They appreciate her ability to play an integral part of the leadership team.  Mrs. Hannewald says she is so blessed to have a job in which every day is diverse, and is so privileged to work in the satisfying, life-changing career of being the administrative assistant for such fabulous students and staff members.  She continued by saying, “I am truly blessed to be in the position that I am in, surrounded by my students and staff in a district that I call my second family.”  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District and our programs, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Annette Friday: CUES Teacher of the Year!

Columbia Upper Elementary sixth grade teacher Annette Friday was chosen as the Teacher of the Year by her fellow teachers and staff members.  Each and every day she gives 100% to her students.  She says that, “My foray into teaching began with the hope of making a difference in the lives of children.”  This statement is obvious when you watch her with her students.  Columbia Upper Elementary principal Jennifer VanWagnen mentioned that Annette is a caring teacher and continued by saying, “Mrs. Friday is very accommodating to individual student needs and she designs her instruction accordingly. She frequently uses small group stations in her classroom. Mrs. Friday spends hours crafting her lesson plans, and has created new lessons that require higher-order thinking and application.”

Annette works with her students to support them as they grow and mature.  She works with them to help keep them focused on becoming successful, both in school and in life.  She said that she firmly believes that her students can achieve anything they set their minds to do.  She continued by saying, “My hope is to create a classroom experience of collective courage as we all stretch ourselves, make mistakes and grow. It’s not just about growing academically but evolving as human beings whose purpose goes beyond the classroom and into the world as a whole.”

Columbia Upper Elementary is fortunate to have Annette as part of the teaching team.  She brings an energy and positive spirit to the school.  She mentioned that she loves teaching at Columbia “because I am surrounded by caring professionals who lift one another up and share this passion.”  Principal VanWagnen talks about Mrs. Friday with great respect for her ability to communicate with her students and her drive to continue to improve her own knowledge of teaching.  She said, “Mrs. Friday is a lifelong learner. She works diligently to expand her repertoire and knowledge of both pedagogy and content specific information.”

As we celebrate Mrs. Friday as the CUES Teacher of the Year we appreciate her diligence and intense spirit of caring and consideration of her students’ best interest.  She commented that, “Ours is an environment where we seek out opportunities to share insights and strategies with the ultimate goal of serving our students with excellence. I want my students to know that I am invested in helping them to be the best version of themselves they can possibly be.”  Thank you Mrs. Friday for all you do for our precious Columbia students!

If you are interested in learning more about Columbia Schools, email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.