By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
What would the winner of Eagle Media’s first ever School Hero award do with the prize money? Naturally, she would spend it in the classroom. Tammie Buckbee, resource room teacher for grades 3-6 at Ellinwood Elementary School, is the first winner of the School Hero Contest, presented by OPI. Eagle Media’s Director of Promotions Becca surprised her with the news last week.
“Even on your busiest days, you’re intentional about checking in on people around you because you genuinely want to know,” Becca read from Mrs. Tucker’s nomination. “Mrs. Buckbee values every student and colleague who enters a room, treating each one with genuine care and respect. She’s also good for a laugh, whether it’s sharing a quick joke, making a funny face in the window, or waving from the other end of the hallway.”
Buckbee spent nearly six years at the school as a para before taking on her current role five years ago. School Heroes can spend the $500 prize any way they wish, but Buckbee’s first thought was to return it to the classroom.
“For the community to be able to do something like this for teachers, and help them out in the classrooms, this is huge for our classrooms,” she said.
Principal Joel Kahnt echoed the nomination about Buckbee’s value to the school.
“She is such a valuable asset to our building,” he said. “She is amazing. She goes above and beyond every day, and our kids love her. She holds them accountable, but they know she cares about them deeply.”
The School Hero Contest is for any school employee who goes above and beyond in his or her job. Administrators, teachers, paras, coaches, maintenance staff, cafeteria workers and more are all eligible. A new School Hero will be selected on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and that hero will be recognized with $500 in prize money.
CLICK HERE to nominate the next Eagle Media School Hero, presented by OPI.