Smith, Eglin receive November MVP Awards

Congratulations to the November recipients of the Most Valuable Patriot (MVP) award, bus driver Heather Smith, and teaching assistant Mandy Eglin!

Heather Smith, Bus Driver

Bus driver Heather Smith is in her 19th year with the district. She was nominated by a coach for her response to an emergency that recently took place on her bus.

“On a recent trip, one of our team members experienced a medical emergency while heading home," her nominator wrote. "Heather quickly took action to get our bus to a safe location so we could help the student before paramedics arrived. During this time, Heather's composed demeanor and quick thinking kept the other team members calm and ensured the paramedics were best able to help our student-athlete in need. Most importantly, her kindness and compassion for the student-athletes were evident, as she made sure they were aware their teammate was in good hands, while also keeping them in good spirits as paramedics arrived on the scene. In such a difficult situation, Heather's actions were a blessing and epitomize her outstanding connections with students on a daily basis.”

“I appreciate being noticed for the work I do daily, and I love the kids,” Smith said. “I would have acted the same way in any situation — making sure the students are safe and happy on my watch is part of my job. I love driving the bus and taking the extra runs for sports and field trips. Initially, I came to work at B-P because it was close to my house, but I stayed for the community and family feeling.”

Mandy Eglin, Teaching Assistant

Mandy Eglin is in her third year as a teaching assistant at Broadalbin-Perth High School. She also serves as a tutor, provides after-school support, and runs the high school's learning center. Eglin has two children who attend B-P schools. 

Eglin was nominated for an MVP award by a current student. "Mrs. Eglin always makes everyone feel welcome and always makes sure we know what’s happening in school," her nomination read. "She tells us ahead of time when we have class meetings or when we have something going on during advisory and can’t leave. She also has a bunch of games in her room so that we don’t get bored if we finish our homework during advisory. On Fridays, when we have Mrs. Eglin, she always brings in a treat for all of her kids in advisory, making us look forward to something each week. Mrs. Eglin is very kind and welcoming and deserves the Most Valuable Patriot Award.”

“I absolutely love what I do and working with the kids, hearing their stories, and letting them know they have a safe place to go if they need to talk or someone to help them with work,” Eglin said. “Three years ago, I started making it a priority to bring in a treat every Friday for my advisory students and any students who come in during that time as a reward for working so hard all week. I am beyond grateful for the nomination from one of my students. It's a heartwarming feeling knowing my little gesture means so much!”

Each month, two district employees are recognized through Broadalbin-Perth's MVP program. Each winner receives a B-P Yeti mug. Nominations can come from any member of the school community and all nominations should be submitted online. The deadline to nominate a B-P employee for the next MVP award is Monday, Jan 12.