LETTERS: THANKS TO SCHOOL SECRETARY

To the editor:

After hearing about Debra Spradling's departure as secretary at Jefferson Elementary School, I feel I need to express my and my family's regrets along with our thank yous for what we consider a job well done for many years.

I have had the pleasure of being a Jefferson school parent for 14 years. Out of those 14 years, Mrs. Spradling has been there 11 years. I have always viewed her as a very professional and caring person toward the staff, parents and students.

As an office manager and secretary myself, I have witnessed Mrs. Spradling doing duties beyond what I consider the duties of a school secretary. Over the years it has been nice to pick up the phone knowing she would be at the other end and that I could ask her to keep an eye on my child because of a family emergency, and knowing she would give them a hug and a smile that would make them feel good at such a bad or trying time. She was always so gracious and willing to do this. If I did not thank her then, I am doing that now. Thank you.

Don't change, Mrs. Spradling. God didn't mean for us all to be alike. You are a wonderful persons. Your only fault I can see is that you care a little too much for some people. In a world where that is not an excitable quality, you possess it. Don't lose it. Jefferson lost more than a secretary. We lost a loving, caring friend that just happened to be a great secretary.

We hope wherever you go and whatever you do you will have a happy life, knowing that you touched the hearts and lives of so many children and parents and that whatever you do you will continue to be the same wonderful person that makes us all smile.

PATSY ELLIS

Cape Girardeau