LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Jessica Hayes

Position: Secretary
School: Central Elementary School
School District: Stanly County Schools
City, State: Albemarle, NC

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Music that Describes Jessica


Jessica Hayes was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Ms. Hayes, also known as "Ms. Jessica," is the first face most people see when they enter Central Elementary School. She is the front desk secretary and has been at her school for a little over three years. When parents or visitors come to the school, Ms. Jessica greets them with a warm, friendly smile and helps them however she can.

Ms. Jessica is a very dependable, organized, and knowledgeable school secretary. She is a rare gem when it comes to school secretaries. The teachers like knowing she is in the front office because she knows how to do her job well and efficiently.  Ms. Jessica not only takes care of the staff, administration, and office needs, but she loves the students and cares for them as if they were her own. Not a day goes by that you don't see a student come to Ms. Jessica for a hug, words of comfort, or encouragement. They trust her because they know she will take care of them, whether it's a band-aid they need, a temperature to take, a change of clothes, or an ice pack to fix a "boo-boo." She gives the students a sense of value and worth because she listens to them and will follow up the next day by asking how they are doing. She knows their details and she lets them know she cares.

"As teachers, we see this and recognize how lucky we are to have someone like her on the front lines of our school," said her nominator. "She is the first impression that is made on our school, and I wouldn't want any other person to represent who we are and how we care for our students than Ms. Jessica."

Comments (57)

Maegan Cox Posted over a year ago

Ms. Hayes is HANDS DOWN the ABSOLUTE BEST!! I’ve known her for 3 years now and this lady is truly one of a kind! My daughter absolutely loves her. I’ve never met anyone else like her. The love she has for her children at CES is amazing! She takes them all in under her wing. Your life is better with Ms. Hayes in it! I’ve sat back and watched her in Walmart, football games, etc. Child after child comes running to her to give her a great big hug and I honestly don’t know who enjoys it more, the kids or Ms. Hayes! I love how personable she is with everyone! You could be having the worst of days, and just a smile or a simple hello from her will brighten your day! She has helped my daughter in so many ways that I’m sure will never be forgotten! Bottom line, Ms. Hayes is a BLESSING!!

Matthew Bailey Posted over a year ago

What can say about amazing young lady. She is a go getter for sure. Raising four kids plus so many others in Central Elementary school. She is the first person people will see when you all in the door of the school. She always has a smile on her face and her outgoing personality is super contagious. Kids love her and look to her for love, hugs and compassion. She is the glue that holds Central together. She def deserves life changer of the year, actually more like the decade.

Dawnsae Nash Posted over a year ago

You know you’re my fav and I love you to ends of the galaxy and back??????

Brian Conner Posted over a year ago

Jessica Hayes is a bright shining example of the impact that true selfless giving of time and effort can have in a person’s life. When I think back to my time in elementary school, I remember most all of my teachers I had, the administrators that controlled the chaos, the school secretaries that handed out the band-aids or gave me a slip to get in to class. Most of them did their jobs and went home to their families and I never really gave much thought to them besides what their roles were. However, a few left a mark on my life. They took a special interest in me or my friends. cheered us on at our sporting events or brought in things to some of us that did not have much. These few influenced my life and those around me and they did it out of the kindness of their hearts and with no consideration of what they would receive in return because they saw that we needed it. Jessica Hayes is all of those folks that cared in my childhood wrapped in one and everyone that comes into contact with her big infectious smile knows it. Jessica loves the kids not only at Central Elementary School, but all the kids of the community. She spends her time and money making sure that these kids get things that they might otherwise go without and supplies hugs and words of encouragement with kids who may not get it at home. She truly has love for “her babies”, as she calls them, but she also loves the community. She is always available to the parents and grandparents of her Central babies. Answering calls and texts at all hours of the day and night. No problems is a problem for her. She springs into action, without hesitation. I have been inspired by her. By her compassion. By her selflessness. By her love for her community and faculty and her babies. She exemplifies all that we should inspire to be. To make an impact while we are here. When her babies look back on their years in elementary school, they will no doubt remember her as not just their secretary, but as someone that loved them and encouraged them. Someone that never gave up on them or judged them just as we all remember that one that was there for us. I do not know the other nominees for the Lifechanger of the year award, and without taking anything away from them, there is no person that I know, that is more deserving of this recognition. Win, lose or draw, Ms. Jessica Hayes IS a lifechanger to so many and we all know it. Thank you Ms. Hayes!

Tracy Parsons Posted over a year ago

LOVE our Ms. Jessica!! Always a smile no matter what's happening! the ???

Sheana Clark Posted over a year ago

Jessica is a real life hero! Those kids love her and if she’s not around they don’t respond well to others..... She’s The Goat!!

Sammy Miller Posted over a year ago

I have known Ms.Jessica for four years now and getting to know Ms.Jessica she took me in as one of her own. She is like a mother to me and I know that in a simple phone call she would be there for anyone. She cares for everyone just because she would do anything to see those around her happy. She always knows how to light up someones day even on day’s where no one has lit her day up. She is so strong and powerful. She gives those around her hope and strength to push through every obstacle in the way and be stronger, just as she has taught me. Thanks Momma Jes for being such an Awesome person.

Eddie Wall Posted over a year ago

Jessica is the glue that keeps everything together. She is always smiling and willing to help any and everyone. She knows every one by name. She understands the family dynamic of almost every household which is critical at CES. She is understanding and empathetic to the community she serves. We are grateful to have Jessica at our school!!!

Monica Young Posted over a year ago

She is very dedicated to the school and all of the children. We appreciate you Ms. Jessica!!

Spencer Dixon Posted over a year ago

She deserves to win

Zach Simmons Posted over a year ago

I volunteered at Central working with Ms. Jessica for 2 years during my junior and senior years. She always greeted students, parents, teachers and faculty with a heartwarming smile. She is always willing to do everything she can for anyone she can. My days were always brightened by her contagious laugh and smile. Such a great example for the students at the school!

Garret Rickard Posted over a year ago

One of the sweetest ladies i know! very loving and cares for the kids as her own!

Lee Boone Posted over a year ago

You are so great and deserve this so much! You’ve grown up so much!

Alicia wright Posted over a year ago

Jessica is a very sweet loving ladys she loves the kids and help them in every way she can jessica is very compassionate and dedicated to what ever she does she deserves everything all the above upon blessings.

Jordan Blankenship Posted over a year ago

This women right here is the most loving person i know, she made me a part of her wonderful family and showed me love and support, she is encouraging and such a strong human, she’d give the shirt off her back if you needed it and would never let you feel alone. She’s got wonderful kids that i was Honored to play soccer with Elizabeth and go to school with Ivy, they have been raised so well. Jessica was my support for soccer when my mom wasn’t able to be there and she made My Senior year the most memorable along with her family. She lights up any place she walks in.

Ethan Posted over a year ago

Absolutely couldn’t work harder to help the kids at her school haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love her

Sheana Clark Posted over a year ago

Jessica is a real life hero! Those kids love her and if she’s not around they don’t respond well to others..... She’s The Goat!!

Madison McSwain Posted over a year ago

Jessica is the bright light at Central! She is so caring and loving to all the students and faculty. She is an amazing mother to her girls and makes sure she is just as mothering and empowering to all of her students. We love her and can’t imagine Central without her!!

Quinton Posted over a year ago

One of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She would give you the shirt off her back an barley know you!

Trent Posted over a year ago

Jesse is my aunt, and she is very supportive of everyone, pushes people to do their best, and can put a smile on anyone’s face.

Katie Posted over a year ago

Jesse is so kind and giving! She’s one of the most supportive and strong people I know. She never hesitates to help. I love knowing I can always count on her for anything.

Elizabeth Harvell Posted over a year ago

Ms. Hayes Is the perfect person to work at central because she loves her job and babies so much. She does just as much for them as she does her own. She loves the kids and staff dearly. She definitely deserves this award.

Isabel Rios Posted over a year ago

She will always do anything for someone and is very welcoming with open arms!

Ivy Harvell Posted over a year ago

Jessica is a kind hearted person. Who has a lot of love and passion for her job. As a child of hers i know that there isn’t a better person for the job. She truly loves the students as her own.

Mindy Posted over a year ago

I’ve known Jesse on a personal basis for over 16 years and she is an absolutely wonderful person!

Daniel Hailey Posted over a year ago

Ms. Jessica is AWESOME!!!! I’ve known Jessica for 2 years and our work relationship is great! If I ever need anything work wise she will be there and always have an answer! If she did not have an answer she will do her best to figure it out! She does her best with each and every student from what I can see! And ALWAYS has a smile on her face!

Jaleesha lilly Posted over a year ago

Jessica is such a great Nd loving person Nd holds dwn the front office with a bang if your sad once you see her it turns upside dwn she makes my day Nd love my kids as if they were her own thanks for all you does when it comes dwn to my kids they love you too????

Pam Smith Posted over a year ago

So many things I can say about this lady, but to keep it short, she is absolutely the best!!!!

Kristie Bryson Posted over a year ago

She is raising four wonderful children that she teaches to be kind, loving, and thoughtful just like their Mother!

Danishia Redfearn Posted over a year ago

I absolutely Love Ms. Jessica! Everytime i come into the school she greets me with a big smile and say "hey girl". She also know my whole crew i pick up my 3 kids plus my niece, nephew, and cousin and i don't have to say a word she just get on the phone and do her thing she know their names by heart. She most definitely gets my vote!??

Latisha Thomas Posted over a year ago

Jessica Hayes is an awesome secretary at Central Elementary School, her smile will brighten any day when you walk inside that school. I am so glad to know that a person like her sits at that front desk and protects our kids. Knowing she is working is a great day and each day after from her protecting them, talking to them and caring for them is a great feeling to a parent. Ms. Hayes supports these kids at school and outside of school functions, she attends any function that she is invited to and even welcomes the kids in her home. In one word she is AWESOME.....

Shaquarius Posted over a year ago

Thank you Ms. Jessica for always caring for my kids and my nephews. You’re the best??

Wanda Hicks Posted over a year ago

All that was said is true and more. She's my lifeline whenever I need her

Stephanie Posted over a year ago

I have known Jessica since she was in elementary school. I can just picture her being a capable and caring school secretary. She is most deserving of this honor

Jill Sides Posted over a year ago

Jessica is the best. She has always been so friendly to me and my boys. Know us by our names. So very helpful. So happy and friendly . Always talking to students and giving them hugs. We love Mrs. Jessica.

Freddie Burns Posted over a year ago

Congratulations and thank you for all you do

Meg Deemer Posted over a year ago

Jessica never hesitates to go out of her way for all of her co-workers and students. Every student at Central knows Ms. Jessica, and it is amazing that she knows all of them by name. She is truly the heart of our school!

Amy Herlocker Posted over a year ago

She is multitasker who always Always has a smile on her face!! Great asset to Central office and school!!

Gail kepley Posted over a year ago

A wonderful person and very dedicated to her job and the school. She deserves this award

Sonia Lewis Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on making such a huge impact on the students and staff of Central Elementary! I know your parents are so proud of you and your genuine caring nature towards others. ?? (FYI: I graduated with both of your parents...good people)

Kristena Collins Posted over a year ago

Thank you so much Ms Jessica for all the love and care you show the children and families of Central Elementary. It is our first year as a part of the bull pup family. We are so appreciative for each person that has helped and made a difference in our child's days as she makes this big transition into school. You are truly a blessing ?

Sara Huneycutt Posted over a year ago

Always so happy and so positive and a heart of gold

Lea Curlee Posted over a year ago

You are loved Ms. Jessica.

Brenda Whitley Posted over a year ago

Jessica is definitely the heart of our school. She always has time for any student who needs a hug.

Barbie Massey Posted over a year ago

What a wonderful young lady and great choice!!!

Gavin Poplin Posted over a year ago

It's so comforting know such a person still exist in this day and time. My grandchildren love her and I love that.

Erin Mikesell Posted over a year ago

Jessica is the glue that holds us together at Central! I witnessed her selfless dedication today during our Cookie Dough pickup. She stayed after hours to help us call families and she personally delivered a few orders on her way home. She always goes the extra mile for our families and staff. No question that she is a valued and loved member of our school community!

Sybil Apsega Posted over a year ago

Thank you Jessica for all your hard work and dedication! This is a well deserved award. God Bless you!

Morghan Eckenfels Posted over a year ago

Ms. Jessica is an absolute jewel! She is always happy, kind and professional. She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her job. She truly cares and that shines through every day.

Tawanna Price Posted over a year ago

This woman is the best I’ve came across since my kids & I moved to Stanly County. Without her The Price’s wouldn’t know what to do.. It takes a special kind of woman to do/be the amazing woman she is. She have ate with us, shop with & for us, last but not least, she has loved and cared for our kids like no other and I wouldn’t pick anyone other then her to be the life changer of this year & many more to go. We love u ??

Charmaine Watkins Posted over a year ago

She's Great she definitely gets my vote.

Jennie Helms Posted over a year ago

Ms Hayes is amazing! She is so selfless and always puts all children first!

Chareta Green Posted over a year ago

The very best.

Carla poplin Posted over a year ago

Jessica is a shining star for over 500 kids a day at school and for many the only smiling face. She shows so much dedication and love to every child. She is so deserving.

Tonya Eudy Posted over a year ago

Jayden and Aiden and all of us love you. Thank you so much for all you do for the students at central elementary

Essence Price Posted over a year ago

This women is incredible and amazing she have a big heart for all the kids my kids just loves her after caring for all the kids in stanly county she still find time to do house visit just to show her love and support at basketball and football games she deserve this award for sure

Jennie Helms Posted over a year ago

Ms Hayes is AMAZING! She is the kindest, sweetest and most patient person I know!