Troy Schools Announce Support Staff of the Year Honoree

On Wednesday, the Troy School District surprised Wass Elementary School Secretary Phyllis Walters with the news that she had been named the 2024–2025 Troy School District Support Staff of the Year. Phyllis has been with the Troy School District for 33 years. Described by colleagues as a “consummate professional,” she has served at Wass Elementary School under three of the four principals in the school’s history.

In nominating Phyllis for the honor, TSD Literacy Specialist Kristyn Cubitt shared, “Her presence strengthens our learning environment because there is a calmness we rely on, and Phyllis is calm in all situations. When Phyllis is in the office, we know any question we have or help we need will be given. One year, we had a student who wasn't doing his reading at home, and I asked Phyllis if he could come read to her in the morning. She, without hesitation, said yes, and it became this boy's favorite time of day—to read to Mrs. Walters. As the literacy specialist at Wass, I appreciated that Phyllis would give this time to him and saw the kindness in the way she attentively listened to him read and praised him for the good work he'd done.”

Kristyn also shared, “Phyllis contributes to the feeling that Wass is a family, not just a place we come to work.”

Matt Jansen, Troy School District Director of Athletics, Continuing Education, and Enrichment, and former Principal of Wass, shared, “For over 30 years, Phyllis has served the Wass Elementary community with unwavering dedication, working alongside three different principals, dozens of teachers, and thousands of students. She is the most longstanding employee at Wass—truly the individual who has helped principals, teachers, countless families, and students acclimate to Wass and become part of the positive culture of the Wass Wolf Pack.”

And finally, Wass Elementary PTO Co-President Ashleigh Jennings shared, “Phyllis is the heart of our school. As the frontline of our building, she greets everyone with a warm smile and ensures that all visitors feel welcome. Her exceptional organizational skills keep our school running smoothly, and she is always prepared to handle the myriad small crises that arise daily. Whether it is a scraped knee, a forgotten lunch, or a last-minute schedule change, Phyllis manages it all with grace and efficiency.”

In addition to being presented with flowers and cookies to share with the Wass staff, Phyllis was given a $250 check from a representative of the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence.