To students, getting their diplomas or an attendance slip might seem like a simple transaction, attention to detail and paperwork take place. Two big contributors to this are Sheila Lawless and Arlene Stone, who work tirelessly throughout the year. Their dedication led them to winning Support Staff of the Year.

Stone has been a steady and dependable presence at PMHS for many years, as she has worked in the cafeteria, bookstore, and treasurer’s office. For the past six years she has been working at the attendance office. “Attendance is very steady, fast pace, kids filter in all day long.” Stone said.  

Seeing students come and go over the past half-decade has given her insight into current trends in tardiness and the key role attendance plays in a student’s success. 
”It does seem like our students [being] late to school has evidently increased, but we’re working on that and hoping we can bring those numbers down.”

 Encouraging students to take ownership of their attendance and teaching them why showing up matters is one of the most essential parts of her job. “The more you’re out of class, the less study time you have…Attendance can affect the rest of their lives with jobs, school, and college.” 

Despite the challenges that come with her role, she is able to find fulfillment in it. “It’s challenging, but yet rewarding if we can help one student come in…[and] make a better attendance record for themselves, it’s worth it.” Stone said. 

Lawless has worked at PMHS for six years. Her official title is Registrar, but she primarily works as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of School Counseling, Brad Miller. “
I’m kind of like his right arm,” Lawless said. 

In this role, she assists with everything from planning graduation to managing state reporting for registration. This time of year, graduation in particular is on her radar, with around 550 students graduating, each with different diplomas and/or degrees. The ceremony may seem simple to students, as if it appeared out of thin air. But the reality is that people like Lawless have spent weeks preparing for this special day.  “I would have never known as a student and as a parent, I figured, you know, you come up, they say your name, here’s your diploma, but there’s seal ordering, there’s diploma ordering…” Lawless said. 

Although time-consuming and detail-oriented, Lawless has grown to love her role at PMHS. Working behind the scenes, she doesn’t get to interact with students often, but knowing that her job supports them keeps her motivated throughout the year. “I see [the counselors] engaged with a student and their listening and their helping and their advising that makes me smile and makes me love what I do,” Lawless said.

 She may not be front and center, but without staff like Lawless, things like graduation would not run as smoothly. “There are a lot of things behind the scenes that people don’t see,” Lawless said.