Bristow Public Schools-Support Persons of the Year

Jennifer Taylor was chosen as the Edison Support Person of the Year. As a proud graduate of the Bristow High School Class of 1998, Jennifer is a true pirate. It is no wonder that after working in Transportation and Logistics, Jennifer came how to be a Pirate once again. For the past five years, Jennifer has been working at Edison. Her first year at BPS, Jennifer worked as a PreK Paraprofessional, and the last four years, she has been running the Kindergarten Literacy Lab. Jennifer stated that working at BPS is “not a job, but a place to hang out with my people. I love my job and the people that I work with. The kids are fun, but a group of adults teaching kids is magical. We will do almost anything to teach a concept and have the best celebrations!” When we asked Jennifer’s coworker, Ashley Linker, about her, she said, “Jen is very humble, caring, and sincere. She has a big heart for the students that struggle the most in their education or, even, emotionally to survive their day. She loves them hard and works hard to foster their learning at the pace they individually need. She is always quick to celebrate even the small accomplishments with each student. Many coworkers say she’s one of the many reasons they love their job. She loves to make everyone feel special.”

Melissa Shelton was chosen as the Collins Support Person of the Year. Melissa became a Bristow Pirate 20 years ago after graduating from and working for Madill Public Schools. She started off serving our community by working at Dr. Hiskett, Elliot, and Cantrell’s Vision office before joining the Collins Elementary staff.

Melissa served as Library Aide for two years, and she has been the Site Secretary for the last 18 years. When asked what her favorite part of the job was, Melissa replied, “Everything!” As the site secretary, Melissa believes she was chosen for Support Person of the Year because, “I am always helping when called upon, dedicated to the front office running smoothly and treating everyone (staff and students) like family.” Melissa is a huge part of the Bristow family, and coworker, Stacy Crouch, agrees. Stacy said, “Melissa is very diligent with her work and her office is run to the highest efficiency. She is truly the glue that holds it all together. On top of the ins and outs of the office, she always makes time to love and support the students and staff. We are all so blessed to have her in our lives.

Kim Looney was chosen as the Middle School Support Person of the Year. Kim is a proud Bristow High School graduate. Kim has worked for Bristow Public Schools for 10 years running the Middle School office.

For 9 years, she acted as Attendance Clerk/Registrar keeping track of all students. This year, she moved into the position of Site Secretary where she now keeps track of all the teachers. Kim has been phenomenal in her transition. When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Kim stated, “My favorite part of working at BMS is interacting with the students and getting to know them, pour into their lives and watch them grow throughout their years after they leave the Middle School. I also love my coworkers! We have fun and make a great team.

We are a family here at BMS!” When asked about Kim’s work, Principal Lawrence Seachris said, “Kim is one of the hardest working people that I’ve had the privilege to work with. She puts and every person in our building, and strives to keep the standard high in BMS. We are grateful to have her on our team!”

Bret Wages was chosen as the Bristow High School Support Person of the Year. Bret has been with our district for 6 years as the High School Custodian and a Bus Driver. Prior to becoming a Bristow Pirate, Bret graduated from Stroud High School and worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) until retirement.

Bret said his favorite part of the job is “Interacting with the children”, and he believes he was chosen as Support Person “because I do it all.”We asked Principal Steve Spears about Bret, and he said, “Bret Wages is more than just a custodian at BHS. He’s a family member and a difference maker in the lives of our students and faculty.

He brightens the day for everyone with his humor and sarcastic wit. He truly is a servant in every sense of the word; he is always willing to do whatever needs to be done.There is no task that he considers beneath him. To put it quite simply, he makes us better. I can’t imagine Bristow High School without Bret Wages.”

James Ernst was chosen as the Shared Support Person of the Year, and it is no wonder! When asked where he works, his response was “Wherever needed.” James is a Bristow High School graduate who worked in Frozen Food Warehouse Management for 28 years. Just 3 years ago, James joined our Pirate ship in the Maintenance and Mechanic department. When asked about his favorite part of the job, James said, “Every day is a different adventure. Plus, I enjoy working in the same district as my wife and daughters.” When asked why he thought he was chosen as the Shared Support Staff Person of the Year, James said, “I am helpful, friendly, and willing to help out where needed with a smile on my face.” Head of Maintenance, Michael O’Connor, agrees. When asked about James, he said, “James Ernst deserves to be recognized, because he is consistently willing to go above and beyond to help out anyone around the district. He can always be counted on in any situation.”