She shared 'Good News' of Williamson schools for decades

Sandra Webster has been a part of Scales Elementary since the school opened — more than 40 years ago.

Over the decades, she’s gotten to know many students and educators. Webster has also experienced plenty of changes: Facility facelifts, evolving teaching methods, and staff turnover.

So, Webster, 78, was an easy choice to highlight the most important work accomplished at Scales Elementary. After all, she’s captured the educating and often life-long relationships formed at the school.

“That’s my second home,” Webster said.

Webster is one of the school district’s Good News Ambassadors. Each of the 50 Williamson County Schools has an ambassador to regularly share the, well, good news happening in classrooms.

The roles started in the 1990s so school staff could compile photos and information for the Williamson section of The Tennessean. Webster and the ambassadors chronicled PTO fundraisers, classroom activities, and other classroom tidbits, she remembered.

Ambassadors remain in contact with teachers, making sure student learning is showcased — as teaching materials, school district budgets and new facilities sometimes dominate the local headlines.

Now, many of the photos and stories are shared on social media and in the district newsletter.

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"It would be impossible to showcase all of our students, staff, and schools without the help of our GNAs," said Carol Birdsong, the school district’s communications executive director. "This role is in addition to their other responsibilities, but they take it on because they love highlighting their schools.”

The role also includes a lot of photography. Webster's only camera experience dates back years — taking family photos. She had to re-learn how to capture students corralling together.

A moment that stands out to her: In 2018, Scates Elementary was named a Blue Ribbon school by the federal department of education. The school was one of only 300 nationwide to receive the honor.

“I got to travel to Washington with my principal and two teacher representatives,” Webster said. “I felt very honored for that. It was very, very rewarding for me.”

Webster’s duties have evolved over the years. She started decades ago as a bookkeeper, retiring from that job. By the next day, she was working part-time at the front desk.

“It’s good for me and my soul,” Webster said.

It’s also “good” for Williamson County Schools as Webster and other ambassadors continue to share classroom achievements in the community.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Williamson County Schools Good News Ambassadors share news for decades