Campus Views: Ode to the office ladies

The main office secretaries, known as the “office ladies” to the students, are the gatekeepers, the organizers, the schedulers and the driving force in keeping most of us afloat.

This group is the first line of defense for potential intruders and the first line of welcome for all the cheerful, uptight, or downtrodden students (and parents) that walk through the high school doors.

As a new student to Whitefish High, Jenny Havens, (surprise! they do have names) one of these awesome “office ladies,” was the first person I got to meet. I remember walking into the school feeling very overwhelmed, very in need of logistical support, and pretty darn scared of what Whitefish could bring.

I was surprised when Jenny personally introduced herself to me and my nervous family. She set up a meeting with the guidance counselor and genuinely offered assistance in making my transition calm and enjoyable. She took the time for a series of small steps that made a big impact on my perception of high school.

Throughout my first couple of weeks of school, Jenny, Colette Gardner, and the other office ladies were my lifeline as I became

orientated to the culture of Whitefish High. From giving directions, to asking how my day is, my time in Whitefish has been made better because of these women.

It is kind of mind blowing to think about how many moving parts in the form of people it takes to make a quality day for the Whitefish student body.

The tireless work of the custodial team, teachers, food prep staff, school psychologists, special service professionals, librarians, athletic directors, coaches, volunteers, counselors, school board administrators, their assistants, safety aids, parents and others, are all parts of the whole giant ship that sails our day.

It can be easy to forget that all of these people have lives outside of being an office lady, a custodian, a teacher, an administrator. Many have families, or other jobs, and as they sail our ship they still have others to keep afloat.

Each year they have a new batch of students to incubate and to launch, all made a little more ready because of their work.

For all you all do to make Whitefish High an exceptional door to walk into and out of, thank you.

— Grace Kurtz is a senior at Whitefish High School