Upshur BOE, administrators recognize the people behind the scenes that gave extra effort to make the year a success

Beth Christian Broschart
May 19, 2021

BUCKHANNON – Upshur County Board of Education members recently learned about folks who went over and above to make the 2020-2021 Upshur County School year run smoothly for the students, staff, parents and community members.

Buckhannon Academy Elementary School Principal Susanne Britton and Assistant Principal Eric Brand introduced the school’s cooks and cafeteria manager – all of whom they said were ‘Upshur Star’ worthy. Brand said he and Britton had staff from BAES believing they were attending to support awards being given to him and Britton.

“We would like to nominate our outstanding cooks Lori Smith, Yvette Pappas, Michele Michael and Thurlene Hyre and our cafeteria manager Linda Smith for an Upshur Star Award,” Brand said. “These five ladies have stepped up a whole new level when it comes to serving our students this year. From serving meals curbside, walking miles delivering to classrooms and adapting up to the last minute to any changes, their hard work certainly has not gone unnoticed.”

Bland said the students and staff of BAES know how much love and dedication these women put into the food that comes from the kitchen.

“They are always willing to accommodate any of our students at any time and when our students go through the cafeteria line, they are always sent away with delicious food, a smile and a ‘have a good day’,” Brand said. “We are lucky to have them as part of our BAES family and are glad to have them in our kitchen.”

“We appreciate you ladies so much,” Britton said. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”

Buckhannon Academy Elementary School cooks and the cafeteria manager receive Upshur Awards during a recent Upshur County Board of Education meeting held at Buckhannon-Upshur High School. Principal Susanne Britton and Assistant Principal Eric Brand presented honors to cooks Lori Smith, Yvette Pappas, Michele Michael and Thurlene Hyre and cafeteria manager Linda Smith for serving delicious food with a smile and wishes for a good day.

Next, Brand and Britton nominated two ladies for an Upshur Star Award – employees they said are the backbone of BAES.

“Our secretaries are the backbone of our school,” Brand said as he introduced Tera Spotloe and Shelia Davis. “If you need to know something about a student, or a family, these are the ladies to go to. Whether it be answering phone calls, assisting parents outside, helping students get clothes, doing lunch counts, counting money, putting in attendance – the list of their daily duties could go on and on.”

Brand said if something needs done, these two ladies have more than likely completed the task before they have even been asked to do it.

“If Mrs. Britton or I even have to be out of the building at the same time, we are never hesitant to, and we can leave with ease,” Brand said. “Our office is filled daily with laughter and good times. We are glad to have these two ladies as part of our office crew and part of our BAES family. They truly are a part of what keeps BAES in the shape that it is.”

Upshur County Schools Director of Transportation Jodie Akers introduced Damien Claypool and presented him with an Upshur Star.

“The demand for diesel engines increases the need for trained diesel mechanics,” Akers said. “We are so fortunate to have Fred Eberle (Technical Center) and their diesel program. Internship programs offer hands-on training for anyone interested in working with diesel engines.”

Damien Claypool receives an Upshur Star from Upshur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Lewis Stankus for completing an internship with the Upshur County Schools Transportation Department to enhance his skills in diesel mechanics.

Akers said the Upshur County School System transportation department was excited to have Damien join their mechanic team on April 13, 2021 where he completed a four-week internship.

“Damien worked in our shop for three hours daily,” Akers said. “After working only one week, he asked if he could have additional hours. Beginning April 19, 2021, he began working a full day with our team. During this time, Damien has expanded his knowledge in this trade. Damien has been able to apply his skills in how to repair and maintain diesel-powered vehicles. He has assisted the mechanics in repairing, inspecting and maintaining our diesel engines and associated machinery.”

Akers said Damien has become a part of the transportation family.

“We are so proud of him and want to wish him the best,” she said. “Thank you, Damien, for all your hard work.”

Superintendent of Upshur County Schools Dr. Sara Lewis Stankus introduced preliminary candidates who were selected to fill positions in Upshur County Schools including Zachary Davis as head football coach at B-UHS for the 2021-2022 school year; Erin Brumbaugh as itinerant gifted/special education/STREAM teacher for the 2021-2022 school year; Carol Clay as principal at Union Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year; Jordon Barr as Community in Schools facilitator at Hodgesville and Tennerton Elementary Schools for the 2021-2022 school year; Abbie Golden as Community in Schools facilitator at Washington District and Union Elementary Schools for the 2021-2022 school year; Jordan Hedrick as Community in Schools facilitator for Rock Cave and French Creek Elementary Schools for the 2021-2022 school year; and Samantha Leput who will transfer from B-UHS Assistant Principal to B-UMS Principal for the 2021-2022 school year.