Position: Receptionist
School: Blountstown High School
School District: Calhoun County Public Schools
City, State: Blountstown, FL
Brenda Burnsed was nominated by her principal, Debbie Williams.
Mrs. Burnsed is truly a working woman, fom the time she gets to work at 7:15 AM, up until she leaves in the afternoons after 3:30 PM. She answers the telephone, distributes medications, types purchase orders, makes announcements over the intercom, and assists teachers, students and administration with a smile, and she's always available when Williams needs her.
Mrs. Burnsed is a conscientious, focused worker. She is friendly and greets everyone with grace, while attending to her many duties. She barely takes a lunch break, but never complains. She goes to eat her lunch in a quiet spot, and as soon as her strength is replenished, she gets back to her post and handles the business of the school effectively and efficiently.
"I have only known Mrs. Burnsed since July 2010, when I became assistant principal at Blountstown High School, but I find her to be an integral member of our staff." Williams said. "Mrs. Burnsed has shown me time and time again that she is a willing worker. There is not a task that is too great or too small for her, because she comes to Blountstown High School every day, ready to work."
She loves interacting with students, and she serves as a personal mentor to several of the school's at-risk students. Mrs. Burnsed has a calming effect that puts students and parents at ease. She takes her job very seriously. "One diabetic student needs to take his medicine at a certain time everyday, so Mrs. Burnsed brought in an egg timer that she sets every day, so she can make sure that the young man gets his medicine," Williams said. "She is simply a wonderful person."
In March 2012, Mrs. Burnsed was diagnosed with cancer. She was out of work for about six weeks to have surgery and recover. The students arranged a fundraiser for her and presented her with a check when she returned to help with her medical expenses. In turn, she donated the check to other needy students and to the Ryan Flowers Scholarship Fund.
The students truly love Mrs. Burnsed.
"While Mrs. Burnsed was out for surgery, I dreaded her being gone and was relieved when she returned to work," Williams said. "Her efficiency is missed every day she takes off, which is not that often. When Mrs. Burnsed is at her desk, I feel confident that matters are being handled correctly. Mrs. Burnsed is definitely trustworthy and dependable. I love Mrs. Burnsed and am truly glad and proud to have her working at Blountstown High School."