Synchrony Financial Difference Maker: Norma Payne, St. Paul School

NAME – Norma Payne

SCHOOL – St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, North Canton

RESIDENCE – North Canton

JOB TITLE – School secretary

HOW LONG WITH THE DISTRICT? – 27 years (seven years as an aide, 20 years as secretary).

FAMILY – Husband, Rick; three grown children; five grandchildren.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR POSITION? – Meeting our new kindergarten students, getting to know them and watch them grow, and then witnessing what amazing kids they are by the time they are in eighth grade and graduating.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING? – Getting up at 5 a.m. to start each school day in order to be sure the school office is open and ready for any needs students or staff might have.

IF YOU WEREN'T DOING THIS, YOU'D BE ... – Perhaps working in one of the factory jobs still available.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THE STUDENTS YOU DEAL WITH THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW OR APPRECIATE – How tech-savvy students are and that each student has such unique personalities.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK? – I relax on my couch watching one of my favorite TV shows on Hulu.

STUDENTS AND COWORKERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ... – ... I have four granddaughters and one grandson.

WHAT IS ONE RESPONSIBILITY ABOUT YOUR POSITION THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED BEFORE TAKING IT? – How important it is that I be at my desk to keep an eye on our security cameras and staffing our security system to grant entrance into the building. The secretary plays a crucial role in our campus security plans. That you never know what your day will be like, some days it can go from calm to crazy in seconds. This job is ever-changing, as times and needs change, but I’m thankful for all of these years. St. Paul is a special community.

Other nominations

ALLIANCE

Teresa Mabry, custodian at Alliance Intermediate School – Teresa Mabry has been a wonderful addition to our AIS family. She is always willing to tackle any job at any time and truly cares about our students and staff; she brings nothing but smiles and positivity day after day. Managing a school building during the day is no easy task, but Teresa does it with great pride and a top-notch attitude.

Portia Johnson, principal at Parkway Learning & Development Center – Portia builds strong and lasting relationships with her students and staff, enabling her to bring out the best in everyone in her building. Her passion for alternative learning and dedication to helping meet the needs of the whole child has helped to positively impact a number of Alliance students and students from other districts.

CANTON LOCAL

Mark Hundley, dean of students, Canton South High School – Mark has helped educate Canton South students about the importance of positive school culture and taking advantage of all opportunities offered. He has built valued relationships with students and continues to help them grow academically and socially.

CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Jennifer Burckart, Attendance Office secretary – Jennifer Burckart serves the Central Catholic community as attendance secretary. The attendance position requires an upbeat attitude, attention to detail, a good memory, and meticulous organization as she wears many hats throughout the day and is often interrupted, yet she keeps track of vital school records. Ms. Burckart is willing to help when called upon, never seems to miss a beat and greets students and families with a smile and understanding nature.

JACKSON LOCAL

Cindy Oldfield, paraprofessional – Cindy Oldfield is a paraprofessional at Jackson Memorial Middle School who supervises our Resource Room/Supported Study Hall. She is instrumental to JMMS as she provides support for our teachers and helps keep our students on track with work completion.

LOUISVILLE

Kate-Lynn Brownfield, special education attendant – Kate-Lynn has an amazing rapport with our special needs friends, quietly encouraging them to try new things and always put forth their best effort. Kate-Lynn has a gentle, calm demeanor that lets our students know she is there for them and will help them in any way possible, celebrating each step of success with them along the way!

Carla Swope, accounts payable clerk – Carla Swope is an outstanding employee who will go out of her way to assist you in any way possible. She is always smiling, has a wonderful personality, and takes great pride in doing an awesome job with all of her work!

MARLINGTON LOCAL

Laura Hoover, paraprofessional – Mrs. Hoover goes above and beyond to support our students at Lexington Elementary. She always has a positive attitude and is supportive of her colleagues.

NORTH CANTON

Lisa Shaw, head cook – Mrs. Shaw is our head cook at Hoover High School. She always welcomes students and staff to the school kitchen with a smile. Mrs. Shaw is very willing to help and has an infectious, positive attitude. Mrs. Shaw creates a welcoming environment for students and staff as they come to the kitchen for a nutritious meal.

PERRY LOCAL

Denise Cozzoli, Genoa building secretary – Denise is a compassionate, hardworking individual that is always there for the students and staff of Genoa.

PLAIN LOCAL

Laura Schmidt, Oakwood librarian – Oakwood celebrates Laura Schmidt as our Difference Maker among students at Oakwood. Mrs. Schmidt gives of her time generously. She is willing to help students that need an advocate. Her caring mannerism and huge heart give many of our students a safe person. Her love for reading is contagious and she is appreciated at Oakwood!

Mike Babics, GlenOak High School principal – Mike Babics is a person who continually puts the needs of others before himself. He is a teacher and student advocate who is a difference-maker in all that he does. He is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave as nobody gives more of themself than Mr. Babics. We are blessed to have him in Plain Local.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Tiffany Stanek, intervention specialist – Tiffany Stanek has been the St. Thomas Aquinas gymnastic coach for several years and joined the academic staff this school year as an Intervention specialist. She has done a phenomenal job connecting with students and empowering them to achieve their personal best. Ms. Stanek is also an alumna who has given back to Aquinas in many ways, from working concessions, selling tickets, giving up her time to paint and care for our facilities, climbing ladders to retrieve equipment, to attending community events; she is a great example of what it means to be a Knight.

STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Norma Payne, main office secretary – Norma Payne has served as secretary for St. Paul Catholic School in North Canton for decades and is preparing for retirement! She is the first voice people hear when they call and the first face families see at St. Paul and there are few people who could be as welcoming as her. Mrs. Payne knows every student and family by name, stops anything she’s doing when a student or family member comes to her for help, and is quick to help people keep things in perspective. She serves the SPS community faithfully and with her whole heart.

TUSLAW LOCAL

Paula Ali, Curriculum and Special Services secretary – Positive, pleasant, problem-solver Paula Ali is a true gift to the Tuslaw Local Schools. Paula’s warmth and her “wiper dance” are sure to brighten anyone’s day. As the Curriculum and Special Education secretary, Paula executes all her tasks in a timely and professional manner with superior attention to detail. We are so blessed to have Paula on our team. Paula always has a smile on her face and a welcome in her heart.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Synchrony Financial Difference Maker: Norma Payne, St. Paul School