Classified Person of the Year Wins District Award

Caught in the excitement of the moment, Margaret Puckett wasn’t sure what was said.

One of seven finalists for the honor of being named the Bartlesville Public School District’s 2009 Classified Person of the Year, Puckett stood in front of a podium during the 19^th Annual Classified Person of the Year Reception Tuesday evening at the Bartlesville Community Center. But when Debbie Leming, the district’s 2008 Classified Person of the Year who was speaking at the podium, announced her successor, Puckett was initially caught off guard.

“What did she say?” Puckett whispered to fellow finalist Tom Golden, who was standing beside her along with the five others.

“I think she said you’re the new Classified Person of the Year,” said Golden.

Suddenly, a golden moment had arrived for Puckett. Now in her 22^nd year as an employee of the Bartlesville Public School District, she received a rousing round of applause from the approximately 180 people in attendance as well as several congratulatory hugs as she made her way to the podium.

“I’m just thrilled,” said Puckett, who is in her ninth year as the payroll coordinator at the Bartlesville Mid-High School. “There were so many good candidates who could have received this honor.

“I honestly never expected this.”

The annual Classified Person of the Year Reception honors the approximately 425 classified employees within the Bartlesville Public School District, which employs around 1,000 people in all. Whereas teachers and administrators are certified employees, classified members of the district comprise a multitude of support roles such as secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodians.

Puckett began her BPSD career at Ranch Heights Elementary School before moving on to Hoover Elementary. After spending 10 years working in the main office at Madison Middle School, she headed to the Mid-High, where she has worked ever since.

“I enjoy what I do so much,” said Puckett. “I work with the best group of people around.”

Puckett is one of four administrative assistants who work in the main office at the Mid-High. The group includes principal’s secretary Susan Vincent, registrar Laci Davis and financial assistant Janice Copeland. A computer assistant, LaDonna Viles helps out in the office as well.

“It’s odd to be singled out from the bunch,” said Puckett. “We’re such a team as we work to get things done.

“But this is a real honor.”

After being announced as the 2009 Classified Person of the Year, Puckett was greeted at the podium by Dr. Gary W. Quinn, the BPSD superintendent. Both spoke to the crowd before Quinn presented Puckett with a check. Each year, an anonymous person awards a cash prize – this year’s donation was $1,600 which went through the Bartlesville Community Foundation – to the eventual Classified Person of the Year as a show of support for him or her as well as all of the district’s classified employees.

“It’s such a generous gesture,” said Puckett, “I really appreciate it.”

Puckett was appreciative of the fact that her parents – Gordon and Shirley Huggins – were on hand Tuesday evening to witness first hand their daughter’s special moment. Gordon served 37 years as a principal in Parsons, Kansas, while Shirley assisted as his secretary. On Tuesday evening, Shirley joked that Puckett, a Kansas native, had been born in the school office in Parsons, where Gordon guided two buildings, taught half the day and answered his own phone before wife Shirley agreed to become his secretary.

“It was really special,” said Puckett of her parents, who were visiting from out of town, “to have them at the reception.”

The annual Classified Person of the Year Reception is known for its light and festive atmosphere. Prize drawings were held throughout the evening while master of ceremonies Linda Jo Jones, the attendance secretary at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School who also helps to coordinate the event, kept the jokes and wisecracks coming. Service pins were given out to employees who have reached service time milestones in five-year increments.

The seven finalists to become the BPSD’s 2009 Classified Person of the Year could be nominated by any employee of the district. The nomination forms were due back to Jones in late January and the finalists were chosen from seven categories shortly thereafter by a selection committee. This year’s seven finalists – all of who were recognized Tuesday evening – included Orville Burks (transportation), Val Albritton (school assistant), Steve Perkins (technology/media/health), Cris Morgan (school age care), Beverly Parker (child nutrition), Golden (custodial maintenance) and Puckett (administrative assistant).

“I was so happy to see Margaret win,” said Jason Langham, the Mid-High principal. “I couldn’t ask for a better person to work with.

“I consider her to be one of my best friends. She’s a lovely lady.”

As Tuesday’s reception moved toward its conclusion, another staple honor of the annual Classified Person of the Year event was given out – the Patoot Award. Handed out since 1998, it is given to one BPSD classified employee each year. A tongue-in-cheek honor, the Patoot Award – a wooden carving of a horse’s backside – goes to a person who has a quick wit, a thick skin and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. The preceding year’s Patoot Award winner always chooses who their successor will be. On Tuesday evening, the 2008 Patoot Award winner, BPSD payroll coordinator Mary Ponder, handed off the honor to Beth Berryhill, the district’s student systems coordinator. Both Berryhill and Ponder work out of the Education Service Center.

“I feel humbled and honored,” laughed Berryhill. “I deserve this.”

The district’s dedicated classified employees deserve a special celebration. Thanks to the annual Classified Person of the Year Reception, they always receive one.