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  learning support teacher Mrs. Jessica Ellenberger.

She chose to give the award to special education teacher Mrs. Sarah Latchford.

Mrs. Ellenberger’s quote:

“For a lady who is always so cold, she has one of the warmest hearts.  I nominate Mrs. Latchford because she is an amazing teacher, co-worker, mother, and friend.  She is dedicated to all her students and truly cares about their success. She goes above and beyond for everyone she meets.  It is a pleasure to work with her and to also be her friend. Mrs. Latchford is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. She is an inspiration and I wish I could be more like her! It’s an honor to nominate Mrs. Latchford for the Golden Eagle Award.”

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

Eagle Eye: Why did you go into education?

Sarah Latchford: “It wasn’t my original plan. When I was in high school I would always say that I would never be a teacher (basically because I don’t like talking in front of people), but then I observed a few classes and realized how good it felt to help others, especially kids who need a little extra help learning. It can be a difficult job at times, but it is the little things that make it all worth it.” 

EE: What makes Tyrone a good place to work?

SL: “Tyrone is an amazing place to work. I have worked in another district previously so I have something to compare it to. The staff here really care about the students. I love that it is a small school. Most importantly I love who I work with and am so blessed I ended up where I am.”

EE: What is your favorite memory at Tyrone?

SL: “I have many favorite memories here at Tyrone. One of my favorite memories each year is watching our twelfth graders graduate, especially those I’ve worked with for years!!! It is like a proud mom moment!”