Lori Cook, Adrian R-III
Rural Support Staff Member
Launch the media gallery 1 playerOutstanding Rural Support Staff Member
Lori Cook
Adrian R-III School District
The English language does not contain enough glowing phrases and adjectives to describe the impact that Lori Cook brings as a staff member in the Adrian Elementary School. For over 17 years Mrs. Cook has been the glue that holds the elementary school together. Wearing many hats: nurse, teacher, counselor, substitute coordinator, ISS staff, tour guide, ambassador, supply manager, editor, organizer, problem solver, and to many more to mention. Lori tucks those hats neatly under the guise of SECRETARY. She always has a smile and a warm greeting, and is the very definition of a professional in her appearance and her attitude. She handles even the most stressful of situations with such calm and demeanor that they are most times all but diffused by the time anyone else becomes involved.
Behind every successful school district is the individual that takes pride in his/her ability to run a school office with a quiet, friendly efficiency that results in the needs of both the staff and students being satisfied without stress and complication. As the first contact for people coming into the building, Lori is the type of secretary that often takes the brunt of a parent’s frustration when something has not gone as expected, a parent dealing with sadness when bad news comes and their eagerness when they need their child right now. Lori is consistent and kind to all families, greeting all with the utmost respect, making each one feel that they are the most important priority on her list.
Far beyond the many things that she does for the students and their families, Mrs. Cook supports the staff in numerous ways. She always has a word of encouragement, a polite reminder of something that must be done, or the assistance when machines are not working properly. Mrs. Cook has the unique ability to make everyone feel they are special and worth her time. From the newest staff member in the school, to the most experienced staff member, everyone knows they will be helped when they go to Mrs. Cook. With a vested interest in the Adrian school district, she wants to see each member of the team be successful.
Lori Cook is a confidant, a cheerleader, encourager of staff in their teaching endeavors, a friend and a role model for all, making it fitting for her selection as Missouri’s Outstanding Rural Support Staff member for 2013.