The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation board of trustees honored at its December 12^th meeting three staff members for their hard work and dedication to the district.

Sheila Kindig, a computer lab instructor at Akron Elementary School, and Samantha Bradford, secretary at Akron Elementary School, are the recipients of the Tippecanoe Valley Pillar Award for Outstanding Support Staff.

Kindig is in her 20th year at Akron Elementary School. She started as a substitute teacher before being hired to work in the computer lab.

“The best part of my job is working with and getting to know every student at Akron. It’s fun to see them come in as kindergarten students and watch how much they grow, change, and learn as they move through the grades at Akron and on to TVMS,” said Kindig.

Bradford began working at Akron Elementary School in 1997 as an instructional assistant. Eight years ago, she became the school’s secretary and is currently in her 19th year at Akron. Her colleagues describe her as always helpful, fun to be around, and easy to laugh with.

The board also recognized Karla Hayden, a reading interventionist at Mentone Elementary School, as the recipient of the Tippecanoe Valley World Class Teacher Award.

“Karla Hayden exemplifies self-sacrifice, continually reads about current educational practice in her field, and is an instructional leader who cares deeply about the success of many components of Mentone Elementary.  Her collaborative spirit and concern for all Mentone students are evident in her actions on a daily basis,” said Mentone Elementary School Principal Randy Dahms.