April 14, 2004

             LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins today named Elizabeth Wilson Michigan's 2003-2004 School Support Person of the Year.

Wilson, an administrative assistant at Saugatuck Middle/High School, was informed of the honor during a surprise visit today from Watkins and State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.

"Whether school employees are teaching in a classroom, answering a parent's call in the front office, or ensuring that the precious cargo on a school bus is delivered home safely, they are serving as critical contributors to the successful future of our children," said Granholm.  "Every school employee has a role to play as an educator, and I'm thrilled to honor those whose work too often goes unsung."

             “Outstanding school employees like Elizabeth are the lifeblood of good schools around the state of Michigan,” Watkins said.  “This award focuses positive attention on the tens of thousands of dedicated school support personnel across the state who rarely receive public recognition for their work.”

The purpose of the Michigan School Support Person of the Year Award is to honor outstanding school support personnel for their contributions to the success of the learning community, as well as focusing public attention on the tireless work undertaken by school support personnel on a daily basis.  This is the second year of the program.

             “We are delighted to highlight the contributions of school support personnel in every Michigan school with this award,” said Straus.  “Elizabeth represents the many heroes in support roles at our schools.”

Wilson, administrative assistant since 2001 for the Saugatuck Middle School principal and for the district’s athletic director, has been referred to as “…mom to students, advisor to parents, support person for administrators, and advocate for teachers.”  She seems to have a “bottomless fund of energy.”  She has been employed by the district since 1993.

Saugatuck Spanish teacher Sue Bundy raved about Wilson.  “Change is hard for some people,” Bundy said.  “It requires effort, studying, LEARNING.  Liz Wilson, while a secretary, has been required to be a student.  She has been constantly learning, studying, evolving, and developing the methods used in the office in order to keep up with this technological world of ours. She has always risen to the challenge.  In fact, her enthusiasm and confidence are apparent and visible each day.”

Wilson has served as class sponsor to the Classes of 1996, 1998, 2002, and is currently the sponsor for the Class of 2006.  She is the yearbook advisor, editor of the parent newsletter, served as the chairperson of a North Central Accreditation group that dealt with student responsibility, and has served in state and local parent-teacher organizations.

School parent, Jackie Kleino said, “She dedicates her heart and soul to the Saugatuck School System.”  Parent Virginia Oakley added: “For Liz, it’s all about the kids.”

Alumnus James Sheridan stated, “Somehow she always had time for us and she seemed to know the best solution for every problem.  Her unique ability to bridge the gap between the students and staff is the kind of thing that holds a school together.  She played a critical role in creating a successful and nurturing environment.  I just hope that one day, when my kids are faced with similar sorts of challenges, that there is a Liz Wilson there to help them.”

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For additional information on the Michigan School Support Person of the Year program, log on to http://www.michigan.gov/mde.  Click on Recognition Programs.  Click on Michigan School Support Person of the Year.