Every morning starts the same for para-professional Carrie Hannis. Students seek out the Curtis Elementary educator for a hug. She not only loves getting them but giving them, too.
Her love for the students of Curtis doesn't stop with hugs, though. Hannis is one of those people who goes above and beyond her job description and is described as "an incredible asset to our school" by one colleague and "a para-professional that applies her whole heart to her job" by another.
It is for those reasons and more that Carrie Hannis has been chosen as Bossier Parish School Board's latest recipient of the Gold Star award. Tears flowed Friday when she was surprised at a school assembly and given the award by representatives from Bossier Federal Credit Union, sponsors of the Gold Star employee recognition program.
"It makes me excited to get up and come to work to know the people you work with love you," Hannis said quietly. "And these kids make it so easy. They are so sweet."
For nine years Hannis has worked with special needs students in fourth grade. From comforting a child having seizures to relating to a youngster who has autism, Hannis' dedication never stops.
"I feel like she is a silent everyday hero that rarely gets recognized," one nomination read.
Another came from Leanne Nelson, who is a fellow teacher and parent of one of Hannis' students. It read, "Ms. Hannis has the most caring spirit with the special needs students she works with. She always goes above and beyond to help out ANY child that she sees is struggling. Personally, she has helped my child more than words can say."
Nelson's nomination went on to say, "She also spends a lot of time helping him make things up and tutoring him in areas that he has missed. We have been SO thankful for all the ways she has helped EVERY student in our school, but for me, I am SO thankful for the way she loves and cares for my child!"
Sherri Pool, Principal at Curtis Elementary, said she has great admiration for Hannis. "She's a role model for all of us and how she interacts with students, teachers and faculty. She loves to serve people and has a true heart for all of us at Curtis. She is so deserving of this award."
Pool added even over the summer, when Hannis did not have to be at school, she was there anyway helping with registration and doing whatever was needed. And when she isn't at Curtis, Hannis is pursuing her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education at night.
Carrie Hannis is truly dedicated to her profession and her students. It is easy to see why she is this month's Gold Star.
Nominations are now being accepted for next month's recipient. If you know someone who embodies the best of what Bossier Schools have to offer, go to www.BossierSchools.org and click on the Gold Star to nominate them. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 9.
