Hardee County Schools

Daniel Estrada

Hardee Junior High

"I was instilled with a strong work ethic at a young age. Learning that diligence and perseverance are key to achieving success ... I try to instill this same philosophy into my classroom."

ESE educator Daniel Estrada has been employed by the Hardee County school district for 17 years, spending multiple years at Hardee Senior High before moving to Hardee Junior High. His adaptability is showcased by his experience teaching different subjects, such as biology, Algebra I, history, and ELA at the high school level, along with ELA, civics, and ESE at the junior high level.

Mr. Estrada has consistently operated at the forefront of differentiated instruction and inclusivity, participating on the school’s curriculum committee, where he worked alongside administration and other teachers. He guides novice educators on personalized teaching, incorporating technology into lessons, and having culturally aware instruction. He gives educators practical resources that they can utilize right away. For three years, he has served as a Check and Connect mentor at the Junior High, assisting at-risk youth develop skills to further their education and engage in various school activities they might typically avoid. For seven years, he coached boys' and girls' soccer at the High School, where he took great pride in his team's multiple wins of the district's Best Conduct Award. His aim for his athletes was success—not only in competition, but success in life.

His classroom serves not only as a site for education, but as a lively center of inquiry, inventiveness, and shared respect. "Daniel consistently exceeds expectations to make sure every student has the resources they require to thrive," states Angela Wandrey, College/Career Advocate and Assessment Facilitator. Mr. Estrada is dedicated to his mission: to instill in every student the confidence that they can achieve greatness.

Shaina Waters

Bowling Green Elementary

"When I hear [my students] reading words and see the 'lightbulbs' turn on in their brains ... it is like magic."

Shaina Waters has been a kindergarten teacher at Bowling Green Elementary for nine years. She has been employed for 11 years in the Hardee County School System, which includes periods of substituting, interning, and teaching. She participates in school committees, presently involved in the Kindergarten Princess Pageant, the Accelerated Reader Committee, and acting as chair of the "Fall into Literacy" Committee. She is also a substitute teacher for the VPK Summer Program at Hilltop Elementary. Previously, she participated in the STEM Club, Art Club, Parental Involvement Committee, and Sunshine Committee.

"I like to think that the way I am a 'teacher leader' at my school is not necessarily by being a leader, but, in particular situations, being a follower. The saying goes, 'Be a leader, not a follower,' but would a leader still be a leader if there was no one to follow?" She leads by diving into a project and asking, "How can I help?"

She and her colleague are working to revive "Kindergarten Graduation" at Bowling Green Elementary. "I want my students to feel special and to understand the achievement they have accomplished when completing kindergarten."

Lauren Foreman

Hardee Senior High

"Seeing [my students'] reactions and emotions when they have passed a certification exam fills my heart with joy and is a reminder of why I do what I do."

Lauren Foreman has been chosen, not just as the Teacher of the Year for Hardee Senior High, but also as the Teacher of the Year for all Hardee District Schools. Over the past 10 years in the Hardee County School system, Mrs. Foreman has taken on various roles, with her present position being the Business, Management and Administration (CTE) teacher at Hardee Senior High School. Over the past two years, she has certified 207 students in WordPress as well as in Entrepreneurship & Small Business.

With her commitment to the students and the classroom, they can strive to achieve their WordPress Certified Editor certification and may opt to pursue their Entrepreneurship & Small Business certification. This year, 24 of her students have advanced to her third class to obtain a QuickBooks Online certification. These students have honed their abilities in improved communication, leadership, time management, and computer proficiency. Her students discovered that, even if they aren't the top academic achievers, they can still succeed in obtaining industry certification.

Mrs. Foreman has additionally participated in High School High Tech (HSHT). This program assists students with disabilities who possess an IEP or 504 plan. Moreover, she instructs Engaged Citizens Service Learning 1 – High Tech, enabling students who do not have an IEP or 504 plan to participate within HSHT to acquire new skills and develop products utilizing technology like a Cricut, a Glowforge CO2 laser cutter, and a 3D printer. By utilizing these abilities, students have finished projects for people and organizations on campus, nearby businesses, and events.

Liliana Palacios, a Reading Teacher at Hardee Senior High School, states, “[Mrs. Foreman] employs innovative teaching methods, uses a range of technology tools to enhance engagement, and cultivates an atmosphere where students feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and grow.”

Paige Eriksen

Hilltop Elementary

"Watching my students become confident in their own abilities, seeing them flourish, and recognizing their own success truly inspires me as an educator."

During her five years of teaching, Paige Eriksen has had the rare opportunity to have taught the same group of students in first grade, second grade, and now in third grade. This experience has enabled her to observe their academic progress and the growth of their characters.

Mrs. Eriksen's journey into teaching began in a unique way. She started college aiming to build a career in forensics, particularly concentrating on anthropology. "While taking a course on Cultural Relevance, I had the opportunity to work alongside my peers from diverse backgrounds," she states. During the class, she assisted in adapting the coursework to ensure it was accessible to individuals from various languages or cultures. "I enjoyed this so much it encouraged me to minor in Education." She likewise had the chance to collaborate with educators in the Orlando area, helping to modify their lesson plans to accommodate the requirements of the numerous migrant and refugee students in the region.

"By focusing on each student's needs," she says, "I create a learning environment that encourages individuality, fosters academic growth, and develops a positive mindset for how my students view their education."

Chad Douglas, Dean of Hilltop Elementary School, commends not only her instruction, but also her help with the artwork and memorial benches for staff who passed away due to illness. "She painstakingly painted the students' sayings and statements about our lost staff on the memorial benches," he says. This ensures that the essence and influence of those committed staff members remain alive within the school.

Jamie Heine

North Wauchula Elementary

"Creating a safe, positive environment that encourages teachers and students to take risks. To believe in themselves while building impactful relationships."

Jamie Heine serves as the Literacy/Curriculum Coach at North Wauchula Elementary. She also serves as the AVID Site Team Coordinator, a program that has transformed the culture of her school entirely. AVID has provided students with a sense of achievement that has resulted in more self-assured learners who are now enthusiastic about class discussions and group activities.

With nine years of experience, Mrs. Heine has moved from being a fourth-grade teacher to the Literacy/Curriculum Coach for the past two years, which “allowed her to broaden the wall of her classroom to envelop the entire school,” states Jessica Gray, Principal of North Wauchula Elementary. She continues, “The role of the literacy coach is to be the ‘best friend’ of every teacher. Not the kind of best friend that tells you what you want to hear, but rather what you need to hear.”

As a literacy coach, Mrs. Heine instructs in classrooms, collaborates with teachers, coordinates with administrators, supports new educators, arranges professional development, leads PCLs, and guides students. Sarah Whiddon, Media Specialist at North Wauchula Elementary, formerly collaborated with Mrs. Heine as a teacher in the fourth grade. She states, “Jamie makes every child feel successful, and therefore, every child does succeed within her classroom… Did I mention that she also crafts the best yearbooks?”

Mrs. Heine shares how her father inspired her to become an educator: “I was five years old and realized that my dad could not read… This became vividly clear when I climbed into his lap to ‘read a book’ and noticed he was skipping words… In true childlike fashion, I said, ‘Daddy, you are skipping words! We aren’t supposed to do that.’ He broke… Five-year-old me was heartbroken for him. I did not understand. This man was my world, my hero… That’s when it started. I wanted to teach the world to read.” Following her parents’ hopes and dreams, she was the first child in the family to, not only graduate high school, but also the first to attend college. “It was because of them, my dad, that I was inspired to become an educator.”

Amanda Bissette

Wauchula Elementary

"Knowing that our time together, especially through storytelling, makes a lasting impact on [the students] is incredibly rewarding. Watching their reactions, and seeing them on the edge of their seats, makes me feel like a rock star... their enthusiasm and passion drive me to be the best teacher I can be."

Amanda Bissette has been part of Hardee County Schools for a cumulative six years. She instructed third and fourth graders and is now in her second year as the Media Specialist for students at Wauchula Elementary, covering kindergarten to fifth grade. She oversees every facet of the school's media initiative, directs the Sunshine State Young Reader Awards Club activities and rewards, the Battle of the Books group, and the AV News team. She has been involved in the Summer Outreach Migrant Program for several years.

“Ms. Bissette always provides a loving and energetic learning environment where every child feels valued and celebrated,” states Mary Sue Maddox, Principal of Wauchula Elementary School.

“She is unafraid to step out of the box and her comfort zone to meet the needs of our students,” says Cristy Bellflower, Assistant Principal at Wauchula Elementary. “She has transformed the library into an inviting sanctuary to allow students to explore book levels and genres.” When students ask her for book suggestions, she can promptly offer a solid recommendation. Cristy Bellflower continues, “Ms. Bissette’s most noticed quality in the Media Center is her ability to take students on adventures through her read-alouds… Amanda even goes as far as coordinating her outfits and music to match the books she is reading!”

Ms. Bissette employs her distinctive way of thinking to enhance the student experience in the Media Center. She describes how being different was not always easy, particularly during her early school years. Once, when Ms. Bissette approached and completed an assignment in a way different from her classmates, her instructor, Stacy Sharp, commended her efforts. Her instructor reassured her that “different didn’t mean wrong.” Ms. Bissette explains how she felt, “It was the first moment I ever felt that being different wasn’t something to be afraid of.”

Ashley Smith

Zolfo Springs Elementary

"I strongly believe in relationships first -- and that continues even once [my students] leave me."

Ashley Hendry Smith has strong connections, both in Hardee County and in the field of education. This marks her 14th year with her own classroom at Hardee County Schools, where she teaches fourth and fifth grade math and science, in addition to serving as the fourth-grade chair. She went to Zolfo Springs Elementary for fifth grade, the same school where she now teaches. She was inspired to teach by both her mother, Mrs. Yvette Hendry, and her aunt, Miss Tamara Hendry. Ashley Hendry Smith states, “Although my mom teaches high school and my aunt taught kindergarten, both shared a genuine love and concern for their students. They celebrated achievements, worried for their well-being, and formed lasting bonds that literally span generations. If I make even half the difference that my mother and aunt have, I will consider it a success.”

She continues, “My very best training came from my Aunt Tamara, who taught the importance of student/teacher relationships.”

This year, Mrs. Hendry is additionally involved with the ZSE social media team, serves as the fourth-grade yearbook representative, participates in the Battle of the Books team, and has initiated the inaugural year of the Odyssey of the Mind team at Zolfo Springs Elementary.

Mrs. Smith is jokingly referred to as “Extra Ashley,” because of her drive to add a little “extra” to anything she is part of. “Within my grade level(s),” she explains, “I take on the role of the ‘math and science lady’ –it is my mission to, first, help my team truly understand our standards, and then, gather resources to help meet our students’ needs.”

“Ashley dedicates countless hours after school to create effective and engaging lessons,” says Erica Thornton, a fourth and fifth grade ELA Teacher. “She has implemented themed math units, such as a 'Harry Potter' week and a 'Glow' week, to prepare students for state testing while making learning both relevant and fun.”

Vickie Belcher

District Office

"What inspires me is when I am able to see a child overcome obstacles that have impeded them from experiencing a full and successful childhood."

Vickie Belcher works as a mental health counselor at the Exceptional Student Education/Student Services office and has been part of Hardee County Schools for six years.

Through her first job at a residential treatment center for children and adolescents struggling with mental illness, she learned, as she states, “the majority of these young peoples’ struggles stemmed from early childhood trauma and I wanted to make a difference in their lives… I have the desire to both create and be a safe space for children and adolescents to heal.”

While she does provide direct services to students, she is also the mental health consultant for the district. This enables her to feel that, “I have a direct impact beyond a single student or classroom.”

A significant project she spearheaded involved assessing student Baker Acts and creating policies and procedures to move away from Baker Acts initiated by school resource officers with law enforcement. This was essential because, at that time, there were no efforts made at crisis intervention to de-escalate or assist the student in addressing the ongoing crisis prior to initiating the Baker Act. Following the application of the processes she assisted in creating, there has been a significant reduction in the number of students being Baker Acted, owing to the capability to de-escalate students in distress.

Elizabeth Jaquez, a school counselor at Hardee Junior High, states, “Vickie has worked tirelessly to ensure that our students feel heard, supported, and empowered to overcome obstacles."

Callie Huddleston

Hardee Senior High

"I love seeing [students'] achievements post HHS. I may have had just a small part in their lives, but they will forever hold a place in mine."

Callie Huddleston dedicated five years as a substitute teacher, followed by three years as an ESE paraprofessional, and currently has four years of experience as a CTE paraprofessional at Hardee Senior High School, where she graduated from in 2005. She assists students in obtaining career and technical certifications that will expedite their entry into the workforce careers they desire.

Mrs. Huddleston contributes by helping in the classroom and is the first paraprofessional to achieve proctor certification in all CTE programs at Hardee Senior High School. According to her, she felt privileged to have supervised the inaugural EKG, PCT, and phlebotomy certification exams at Hardee Senior High School. Throughout her time in CTE, she has certified more than 400 students across nine distinct programs.

She participates in extracurricular activities as well, such as being a Co-Student Council Sponsor and a parent of a fourth-year Hardee Blue Star Brigade band member, assisting as a chaperone and supporting band and guard events.

Meredith Durastanti, the Director of AVID, Career, Technical, and Adult Education, commends Mrs. Huddleston for her efforts in preparing students for successful futures in their careers. “Callie… is an indispensable member of our educational team,” she states. “She is integral to ensuring the smooth administration of CTE activities, managing testing schedules, and overseeing certification processes.”

Dennis H. Aubry, Culinary Instructor at Hardee Senior High, states, “Because the culinary program requires so much help, [Mrs. Huddleston] has spent several hours a day working in our lab with students. She immediately established rapport with students and quickly became a student favorite because of her kindness, fairness, and willingness to listen and help students.”

Anna Villa

 Bowling Green Elementary

"I love to help children learn. When I tell them they are doing good--that puts a smile on their face and that makes me happy!"

Anna Villa has spent a decade in the Hardee County school system, serving one year at Wauchula Elementary as a personal assistant and nine years at Bowling Green Elementary as an ESOL paraprofessional. She also works with the yearbook and the Parade Committee.

"Anna is a positive role model for students and staff at Bowling Green Elementary," states Stuart Durastanti, Principal of Bowling Green Elementary. He continues, "Mrs. Villa is always willing to help the school and students in any capacity. She is truly a team player."

Mrs. Villa expresses, "I feel that I have made an important impact on the lives of the ELL students who attended or have attended Bowling Green Elementary School by investing extra time working with students. By taking extra time, beyond my regularly scheduled classes, I talk to the students, discuss any concerns they might have, advise them on how to become better students, and contact parents when teachers are concerned about the student's success in school."

Wendy Mayer

Hardee Junior High

"I love the children and the people I work with... they are family."

Wendy Mayer has spent 24 years in the education system, with the past 20 years serving as an ESE paraprofessional at Hardee Junior High School. She is highly dedicated to the school and her students, as shown by her participation in the School Improvement Committee, Social Committee, After School Program, Summer School, and Summer Academy.

Life Skills with Access and ESE students takes part in the Christmas Parade, preparing and selling food items. She has journeyed throughout the state, supervising students on educational excursions to locations like water treatment facilities, amusement parks, canoeing adventures, and NASA.

In the community, she works at Bayside Community Church. Each year, she and her spouse uplift the community by donning costumes as Mrs. Claus and Santa, visiting childcare centers and preschools, taking photos with kids at the schools, and collaborating with Heartland Events.

Meredith Durastanti, Director of AVID, Career, Technical, and Adult Education, states, “As an ESE paraprofessional, Wendy plays a critical role in supporting students with exceptionalities. She has an exceptional ability to build strong, positive relationships with her students, meeting their individual needs with patience and care. Her rapport with the students is remarkable; they trust her and respond positively to her guidance. Wendy’s nurturing approach fosters an environment where her students feel valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.”

Sheryl Mosley, Principal of Hardee Junior High, states, “Mrs. Mayer exemplifies someone who genuinely believes every child is capable of learning.”

Paige McCoy

Hilltop Elementary

"I enjoy working with children of all ages, especially in exceptional education."

Andrea “Paige” McCoy is employed at Hilltop Elementary School as an ESE Paraprofessional, participates in the After School Program, and works in the K-5 Annex, where she helps students with advanced disabilities. During her 11 years with the Hardee County School system, she has additionally worked as a summer school paraprofessional, a full-time substitute teacher for grades K-5, and a paraprofessional for grades K-5. She has assisted numerous children with disabilities in positions such as the K-5 ESE resource teacher and the ESE self-contained classroom, along with her current role. Working alongside the ESE resource teacher, she assisted in developing a schedule that accommodated the needs of ESE students while minimizing interruptions to the core classes. In addition to her school duties, Mrs. McCoy serves as a Sunday School teacher, teaches VBS, and coaches a Pop Warner cheerleading team.

Chad Douglas, the Dean of Students at Hilltop Elementary, states, “Mrs. McCoy has combined a steadfast work ethic and a true desire to help ESE students. I have had the pleasure of watching her navigate through the classrooms, jumping from subject to subject and grade to grade to help ESE students by providing them with specific accommodations.”

He continues, “I have seen her manage many crises placed in her path with poise and dignity. Without her tireless efforts, the ESE students at Hilltop Elementary would be less successful in their academics and everyday lives.”

For new employees of the schools, Mrs. McCoy would advise, “build relationships with staff and teachers, and it is important to stay positive and keep an open mind.”

Her favorite saying comes from Alexandra K. Trenfor: “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”

Amanda Outley

North Wauchula Elementary

"I love working with kids and helping parents."

Amanda Outley has worked for the Hardee County School System for more than 11 years, with the last two years serving as an Attendance Clerk. Her responsibilities involve managing records, ensuring correct student attendance documentation, creating reports from attendance information—all of which necessitate swift and precise data entry on the computer—and engaging with students, parents, and the community. She accomplishes everything with a smile.

For the six years prior to this role, she worked as a paraprofessional in the activity computer lab “Ms. Outley ran a very efficient and positive computer lab environment that was highly conducive to student learning,” states Principal of North Wauchula Elementary, Jessica Gray. She explains how changing to the Attendance Clerk affected the school environment, “While she did have an impact on all of our students in [her previous] role, she now had an even more expansive influence with our students, staff, families, and the community.”

Amanda Outley’s cheerful demeanor and optimistic outlook have a significant impact on those near her. Mrs. Gray goes on to say, “When you encounter Ms. Outley in our office, you will feel heard, respected, and joyous. She provides a warm, welcoming environment for all who enter the office. She greets everyone with a smile and has impeccable customer service. Even in hectic, tense, or stressful situations, she maintains a calm, friendly disposition and is a problem solver.”

The supportive environment that Ms. Outley fosters enables her to calm an agitated person, whether face-to-face or over the phone.

After school, Ms. Outley is, not only a dedicated mom, but is also completing her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

Dakota Richards

Wauchula Elementary

"I love to see my special education students accomplish a goal and make gains! Their smile and love is my favorite thing about each day!"

Dakota Richards has dedicated what she calls “eight amazing years!” to the Hardee County School System. She serves as the ESE personal assistant at Wauchula Elementary School. For five years, she acted as the PTO President, assisting in organizing resources for the school, including PE equipment, art materials, and additional supplies. She serves as the Children’s Pastor at New Vision Worship Center, participates in the Ladies Ministry at her church, and manages the aftercare program at Wauchula Elementary.

“All these years, she has given unselfishly of herself to the students in the ESE department,” says Mary Sue Maddox, Principal of Wauchula Elementary.

Lorraine Dickson, a retired ESE teacher from Wauchula Elementary, states, “During my teaching relationship with Dakota, I saw first-hand her dedication to the students… Dakota works hard and carries herself in a polite, respectable manner. In addition, Dakota is exceptionally gifted at making students feel comfortable and always maintaining a positive atmosphere.”

Ms. Richards has strong connections in this area. While she was a kindergarten student at North Wauchula Elementary, her teacher was Mrs. Brenda Durrance. “I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before I started school,” Ms. Richards explains, “and my family was scared for me to go to school. She made my family comfortable and took extra good care of me while I was in her class. She showed me how big of a heart it takes to teach little ones, especially if they are different."

Ms. Richards is presently in her third year at Grand Canyon University, where she is working towards a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Special Education.

Jessie Thursby

Zolfo Springs Elementary

"I love it when [students] are excited to see me, knowing they will always have someone cheering them on."

Jessica Thursby has served the Hardee County Schools as a substitute teacher, followed by as a paraprofessional; she spent two years in first grade, two years in second grade, and this marks her first year in Pre-K at Zolfo Springs Elementary. She also oversees the school’s After School Program, which provides care for staff children while their parents are at work. Moreover, she is a member of The Sunshine Committee, which spreads joy among the staff with presents and goodies. She served as PTO President for six years and organized various fundraisers, carnivals, and Krispy Kreme donut sales. With her direction, they built a small playground, contributed to constructing a memorial bench in the courtyard, organized several luncheons to cater to the staff, and allocated funds for Ag Angels. “I helped with anything I could,” she states.

Her philosophy she lives by is: “Treat the janitor with the same respect you would treat the CEO.”

“I don’t feel anyone should be treated different because of the money they earn or their social status,” Mrs. Thursby says. “I treat everyone equally.”

Suzanne Stagg, the principal of Zolfo Springs Elementary, recalls that Mrs. Thursby “quickly proved her commitment and passion for education” as a substitute, and that her transition to a full-time paraprofessional was “seamless.”

She goes on, “One of Jessie’s most admirable qualities is her unwavering advocacy for children with special needs… Whether it’s assisting in the classroom or participating in school events, Jessie’s positive attitude and willingness to contribute make her an integral part of our team.”

Sherry Morris

District Office

"I want to be a role model for students, including my own children, and contribute to the growth and success of our district and our community."

As you enter the Hardee County Schools district office, Sherry Morris's smile welcomes you. She is the front desk secretary and manages the Accounts Payable Department. Not only is she the district office's Educational Support Professional of the Year, but also the Educational Support Professional of the Year for all Hardee District Schools.

Ms. Morris has spent a total of 27 years in the district: nine years at Hardee Junior High, 15 years at PCA, and three years at the district office. Prior to that, she worked at Lake Alfred Middle School for two and a half years.

While at the Junior High, she contributed to the Safe & Smart After School program, supported the basketball and volleyball teams, and participated in summer swim.

In the community, she plays the piano at St. John’s Church in Bowling Green and performs in the local choir.

She would read I Love You to the Moon and Back to her two sons, now adults, just as her mother did for her when she was a child.

Ms. Morris admires her former PE coach and positive influence, Mrs. Terrell, who was always patient and there for her and her fellow students.

Ms. Morris’ philosophy is, “Our greatest glory is, not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Brandon Wright

Educational Facilities

"We all have different roles but not a single job is less important or dignified than the other. Without a team of committed people, as are represented here, none of what we do would be possible."

Brandon Wright serves as the District Custodial Supervisor within the Educational Maintenance Facilities for the district. Throughout the last 12 years in the Hardee County School District, he has consistently taken on additional responsibilities. He started off working part-time with the grounds crew of the Facilities Department. He sthen took a custodial position at Wauchula Elementary School, where he advanced to Head Custodian. He has been in his present role since 2021.

He has dedicated numerous hours to training for the district's benefit, incorporating life safety, environmental safety, maintenance duties and grounds, alongside disinfecting and sanitation. He additionally instructs others for their roles.

As he participates in various maintenance projects, he is also a member of the team tasked with opening, managing, and cleaning shelters during the hurricane season. His team has recently finished renovating the pool complex and has participated in numerous flooring projects at North Wauchula Elementary, Zolfo Springs Elementary, Hardee High School, and Wauchula Elementary. Mr. Wright has likewise exerted effort over the last three years to modernize the maintenance fleet and tools.

Mr. Wright’s favorite book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. He explains, “The story reminds me of the countless people in my life who have given of themselves and poured into my life, never asking for anything in return. The generosity and selflessness of these people have, without a doubt, shaped my life and helped me become the person I am today."

Valerie Best

Transportation Department

"Young people have always been close and important to my heart. I like being involved in their life and giving them guidance, acceptance, and love. Not all children get that at home, so I want to be a positive in their life."

Valerie Best has served as an outstanding bus driver with the Hardee County School District for the last six years. She is also a driver for out-of-county trips, transporting students across the state of Florida for field trips and sporting events, in addition to her usual daily route.

Ron Herron, Director of Transportation, states, “She understands her students and regularly communicates with them and their parents’.”

Operations Specialist/Driver Trainer Teresa Brandeberry describes, “Valerie is and always has been one of the most dependable, prompt, caring and giving employee in our department… She is always on time and always keeps her bus fueled, extra clean and neat at all times… She is extremely polite and respectful to all office staff and fellow bus drivers, tutors, and mechanics.”

They both concur that she is the kind of employee that they wish they could have “many more of."

Valerie Best’s favorite book is Robert Munsch’s Love you Forever. “The book relates to the hardship of raising children,” she states. “Like the mother in the book, the love as a mother overcame the bad times.” She says of her two adult sons, “My baby boys they will always be.”

She lives by, “It’s not how bad you want it. It’s about how hard you work for it.”