We couldn’t do it without them

In addition to our regular staff, we have “auxiliary” staff. They are not on the payroll, but they sure are vital to this newspaper. There are many of these people, but today I am concentrating on six of them. We couldn’t produce our paper without them. 

Skye Cervantes is the secretary at the Riverside Middle/High School. Before that she was at Laura Irwin Elementary. No matter the day or time, we can send her a photo to get IDs. She knows those kids’ name, their parents’ names, staff names and everyone else who may be in the photo. She knows how to spell them, too. She also rounds up the seniors to make sure we have info for the grad edition along with their senior photos. 

The same is true of Melissa Triplett, the LIE secretary. She is always ready to help us keep track of who is who in the photos and make sure the names are spelled correctly. A bit of a challenge at times as parents are creative with name spelling. She is great about sharing community events like Lilac Days, gathering up kids’ art and Santa letters to put in the paper. 

Then there’s photographer Michelle Olsen. She has some amazing grandkids in the schools and always takes pictures of them and the other students at various events. Michelle is always willing to share. She also volunteers to take photos on Memorial Day and community events. 

Roxanne Peterson is another photographer whose pictures you see weekly in the paper. Thanks to her, I get more time to spend at home or with my mom. Roxanne is there for concerts, sports events graduation and just about every school function. She is always willing to share her photos with us. 

At the Burlington Schools Rebecca Walker is our go to person. She IDs with the best of them, gathers up senior information/photos and shares community information. Not sure how she juggles being a secretary for K-12 but she does it. 

Recently Sami Poulsen, who is at the Burlington Schools has joined the auxiliary staff. She provides us team photos and some action shots. 

A huge thank you to each of these wonderful women for being a part of the “team.”