Building administrative assistant at Francis Howell Central honored as district support staff person of the year

Staff members at Francis Howell Central School praised Samantha, the school’s building administrative assistant, after colleagues announced she had been named the Francis Howell R-III district support staff person of the year.

A staff member opened the remarks by saying, "Sam deserves to be a sports staff of the year just for the work she does," adding that "she works super hard to do all things for all people" and that she seems to "know what's going on all the time in all places." The comment was attributed to a staff member who spoke early in the recognition sequence.

Another staff member identified the honoree more fully, saying, "Samantha is the building AA, administrative assistant at Francis Howell Central High School. She also serves as an assistant varsity cheer coach." That speaker and others noted Samantha is an alumna of Francis Howell Central who returned to the school, and praised her ability to connect with students while "still stand[ing] firm and hold a clear line of her role as an adult in the building."

Speakers emphasized Samantha’s broad impact on both students and staff. One said retirees ‘‘praise Sam’’ when they return, and another framed her work as supporting "one Howell community" through a "do whatever it takes" attitude. Colleagues repeatedly offered personal thanks: "You are well deserving" and "So well deserved," they said, congratulating her on the district honor.

The remarks closed with an informal offer from a colleague—"If you're ever looking for a role in the HR office, don't hesitate to reach out"—and further expressions of gratitude for her day-to-day work at the school. No formal vote or board action was recorded in the transcript; the segment consisted of staff recognition and congratulations.

The recognition highlights the role district support staff play in school communities and affirms Samantha’s roles as building administrative assistant, assistant varsity cheer coach and alumnus of Francis Howell Central.