As everyone knows, Stew-art Home & School operates 24/7/365 and it takes everyone working together to be successful. For those of you who are not familiar with Ellie Sears, I have the privilege of not only introducing her but relaying what a remarkable employee she is.
After graduating with a Communications degree from the University of Kentucky, I presume she was chided into inquiring if SHS might have any employment opportunities at the request of a well-respected family member, who was working at SHS at the time, and who she asked to remain unnamed. Although she started as a medical transporter, about 4 ½ years ago, when the opportunity of Night Supervisor presented itself, Ellie reluctantly said she would try it. Luckily for us, she loved this position and accepted it on a full-time basis. For those of you who are unaware, Student Health, becomes Command Central after 5:00 pm Monday-Friday until 8:00 am the following day and throughout the entire weekend. The main telephone line switches there so it becomes the communication hub, it is Nightwatch’s hub, it is the travel hub for student’s departing/returning to campus and it still continues to provide acute and routine care of our students.
Despite all of the challenges that present to this area during this time, as well as the difficulty in maintaining a full staff, Ellie has excelled. Her calm demeanor and caring nature are ideal for her role and she has earned the respect of staff, students and parents.
Ellie’s Favorites:
Book: Where the Red Fern Grows
Movie: Matilda
Restaurant: Malone’s
Sports Team:
University of Kentucky
Vacation spot: Western US Mountains and Thailand after a recent trip
Season: Spring
When asked, Ellie stated that she enjoys “seeing the students’ smiles of joy and receiving hugs from them daily”.
Her favorite memory is “having dance parties with Billy during Covid lock-down”. All of this sums to what we know and love about Ellie; she is energetic, dependable and committed to performing any task that is needed and she completes each task with great empathy and love for our students. Which by the way, when asked what she consistently observes and likes about SHS her response was “Love”.
Ellie, thank you for all that you do and for the love that you share!!
-Stephen Randolph