The “Be Golden” award is a faculty and staff recognition program at the high school. It is given to a teacher or staff that is making a difference at Tyrone.

This award is given weekly by a faculty/staff member to another faculty/staff member. Whoever receives the trophy on Friday is responsible for awarding it to someone else the following week. The only criteria are to give it to someone who has done something to make the school a better place.

“With the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in our school, we want to not only recognize students for being golden but staff members as well,” said Shannon Davis, the award program coordinator. “This is a way to personally thank people we work with every day, but don’t always have the chance to show them how much they are appreciated.”

Last week the award went to  the special education and emotional support teacher Mr. Ron Fedore.

He chose to give the award to emotional support paraprofessional Mrs. Candy Eckels.

Mr. Fedore’s quote:

“Mrs. Eckels is a dedicated professional who does an outstanding  job assisting students each and every school day. She has a positive attitude and always finds a way to motivate students to complete assignments, and do their best. Mrs. Eckels is always willing to listen to a student, consistently providing them with nurturing and realistic advice. She is energetic, well organized, and demonstrates a terrific sense of humor. It is a honor to work with Mrs. Eckels, and a privilege to nominate her for this award.”

The Eagle Eye interviewed Mrs. Eckels about being this week’s award winner:

Eagle Eye: Why did you go into education?

Candy Eckels: “I actually love working with children and now young adults. Before I worked here at the school district I ran a daycare for 12 years.”

EE: What makes Tyrone a good place to work?

CE: “I actually like trying to make a difference in the students lives. It might just make them better citizens in our community someday. We try everyday to make school fun and laugh a little so that it’s not just a job but an adventure.”

EE: What is your favorite memory at Tyrone?

CE: “I like to think back on all the success stories that we’ve had and the students that we helped to stay in school and graduate.”