45 Years for Sandra Bell - Stewart Home & School

45 Years for Sandra Bell

written by Barry Banker

In 1970….

Richard Nixon was President and Vietnam War was still raging.

Love story and Patton were the top two movies.

K.C. Chiefs won the Super Bowl and the Chevy Impala was the top selling car.

And, in our eyes most importantly, Sandy Bell came to work for Stewart Home & School.

She is the heart and soul of the school and we would not be considered the best at what we do were it not for her leadership and inspiration.

Every morning for the 28 years I have been here, I have observed her incredible patience, caring, and love envelope our students in so many ways.

Whether greeting, negotiating, or consoling so many of our students who greet her each morning or going to visit a student who may be sick, Sandy lives the life of selfless care for those with and without special needs.

It is difficult to imagine where she has time to also be such a wonderful wife, devoted mother, and dutiful grandmother.

Sandy, we thank you for forty-five years of loyalty, devotion, and for being who you are each and every day.  Our staff is privileged and honored to work alongside you and our students are better served and more deeply loved because of it.

We look forward to honoring you at the celebration of your 50th anniversary!

13 comments on 45 Years for Sandra Bell

  1. Mary Johnson says:

    Beautiful tribute, Barry Banker! Truer words were never spoken. We cherish Sandra Bell and thank God for her every day!
    Mary, Rick, Mary Margaret and Pace Johnson

  2. Donna Partish says:

    So thankful for the years Sandy has devoted to SHS. You see her loving spirit shine through in her beautiful smile. Thanks so much, Sandy, for all you do.

    1. Donna Parrish says:

      Obviously I spelled my own name wrong!!!

  3. Bonnie Dunlap says:

    Such a beautiful lady with a kind heart.

  4. Charlotte Wilzbach says:

    Sandy is an amazing woman. The Stewart Home School found a real gem when they hired her in 1970. I feel so blessed to have known her. I love her beautiful spirit and the compassion and understanding she has for all the students and the families. I am so proud to call her my friend!!

    1. Barry says:

      Thanks Charlotte for your comments about Sandy. But your tribute letter to Dot had everyone at our recognition ceremony last week in tears. So thoughtful and kind of you to take time to honor her. Best to Pete and Blessings and Merry Christmas !!!

  5. Diane Goetter says:

    WOW! 45 yrs! She was the first person we met and I thank God for her! She truly has the most beautiful, natural smile I have ever seen. And, she is not just a pretty face either. She is smart, intuitive , calm when needed, outgoing and generous! Sha has a true love for everyone at the school and the families connected to them. At least that is my opinion. She has that special knack of being what you need at any given time. Thank you Barry for letting us know how long she has been there. We already know how special she is!

  6. Debbie Lail says:

    Congratulations Sandy! Sandra was the first person to greet my sister Kim, our parents and my brother, when they visited Stewart Home School as possible residence for Kim. The first year was such a transition for our family, as well as for Kim. Sandy was a huge part of that surprisingly smooth transition and a quality of life that likely would not have been reached had our parents, with Kim’s input, agreed to try SHS way back in 1987.

    Her selfless love, caring, advice, and authenticity are evident in her relationship with individual students and family members alike. Blessings!

  7. Nancy Saunders says:

    Congratulations to a wonderful person! We haven’t known you long, but we are thankful that we do now. We wish you all the best.

  8. Nancy and Art Hyde says:

    Sandy,
    Congratulations on such an amazing achievement. Our family is thankful for you, Stewart Home and all of your staff, and grateful for the love for our son. You are the smiling, beautiful face of SHS and have calmed our fears and talked us through the transition of leaving our child in your care.

    May God continue to bless your work and each person you touch.
    Nancy, Art and Stephen Hyde

  9. ashley Michelle hammers says:

    congratulations on your 45 year anniversary of working at shs Mrs bell I am so thankful that I got to know you from the first time I moved to shs and then left shs and then when I decided that I needed to come back to shs you welcomed me back with open arms and a smile I wouldn’t have made it where I am today if it hadn’t been for you Mrs bell believing in me and teaching me what I needed to know I thank god for you every day love and miss you from one of your old students ashley Michelle hammers

  10. David and Sarah McKenney says:

    Sandy—you may recall that about 4 or 5 years ago we learned of an opening in a group home 5 miles from our home, and decided to relocate Scott back near home. For several years he was in a day program run by our county, about 2 miles from home. Having him close to us has been a blessing. Just over a year ago we enrolled him at Jacob’s Ladder Neurotherapy School where together we are working on getting his sleep patterns corrected and trying to get him to talk again. He is 48 now, and still a dear. In many ways we value his 11-12 years at SHS and miss you and your staff who cared for Scott. We wish you the best if everything in this your 50th year at SHS, and treasure the memories of that amazing experience.

  11. Ed and Dana Smith says:

    My wife and I knew Sandy and David when they lived on Cochran Rd when David was attending dental school. I’m not surprised at Sandy’s successful career as she always was a beautiful person with a great personality, smile and laugh.
    Congratulations , Sandy, on a wonderful and very rewarding career

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