Lori Stewart, school secretary at Knox County’s Lynn Camp Middle/High School, is the 2018 recipient of the Wanda Luttrell Office Professional Award, a statewide recognition. She will be presented the award at 6:30 p.m. this evening during the Knox County Board of Education meeting.
The award is presented annually to a school or district office professional who contributes significantly to the efforts of the leadership team; who is the pulse of the office; and exhibits resourcefulness, commitment, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Named in honor of Wanda Luttrell, KASA’s longtime office manager who served school administrators for 28 years, this award is highly prized among school staff statewide.
Stewart is described by Lynn Camp Middle/High School Principal Anthony Pennington as the heart of their school. Lori is the first face students and staff see when they enter the building and the last face they see as the leave the building. “Lori knows every single student and parent by name and has built relationships with them,” said Pennington. “From being a listening ear to giving a word of encouragement, parents, students, and staff know they can depend on Lori when they need her.”
In addition to her duties as school secretary, Stewart also serves as the PTO president, SBDM secretary, 2019 senior class sponsor, and as an ESS monitor. When she isn’t on the clock you are likely to find her cheering on Lynn Camp students at academic and sporting events. She is the first to know and blast good news across social media and news outlets, building a sense of community and school spirit among all stakeholders.
“Lori loves her job and her school as noted by her eagerness to come in early and stay late and rush back at any moment someone is in need,” said Amy Bays, Knox County Schools’ district assessment coordinator. “She takes time to foster relationships with everyone who enters the building.”
The award is presented in conjunction with National Administrative Professional’s Day each April. Stewart was chosen for the statewide honor by a panel of school administrators who work with office professionals every day. She will receive a $500 gift and a cherry clock with intricate gears that are indicative of her critical role in keeping the leadership team and school running smoothly.
“It is indeed an honor for us to recognize Lori for this well-deserved honor,” Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, executive deputy director of KASA, said. “Her support, organization, collaboration, and mastery help strengthen the school’s positive culture and keep everyone pointed toward student achievement.”
KASA is the largest school administrator group in Kentucky, representing more than 3,100 education leaders from across the commonwealth. Formed in 1969, KASA connects education leaders to policymakers, legislators, and other interest groups and provides numerous benefits and services to Kentucky’s school administrators.