Pauls Valley —
There may be no shortage of accolades to go around when it comes to key people in society like police officers, doctors or teachers, but for those who work with those individuals, the gratitude isn’t always as public.
Marilyn Webster, administrative secretary for Paoli Schools, may not be the first individual considered for a magazine cover as person of the year, but when it comes to the people who share an office with her, her efforts are just as appreciated as any top pick.
For 32 years she has seen both good and bad times, but would not trade her experiences with either child or educator for anything else in the world.
“When I first started you had to do everything by hand, now computers help you do more faster,” said Webster. “It’s funny because things kids got in trouble for 30 years ago is no big deal now.”
Webster, a Pauls Valley native, has always lived in Garvin County and graduated as a Panther in 1971. The education scene might have had some influence from her own mother, who was a school teacher in Pauls Valley for 39 years.
Much of the skills that make Webster’s job easier began in her first job at B.J. Landrum’s PV accounting office. She then went to join the Paoli Pugs through a work program and other than teaching typewriting on the side at a community school early on, she has kept the same job ever since.
Among her many duties at the desk that greets those who walk through the front door, Webster takes care of paying many of the schools bills through various funds, handling money paid up front, taking minutes at school board meetings and filling in where needed.
Since she started she has worked under seven different superintendents, though for the past 17 years she has worked next to the current leader, Rick Worden.
“Sometimes it’s smooth and sometimes it’s not,” said Webster. “It never fails, things will be going smoothly and something happens and it gets catastrophic... I guess it wouldn’t be school if it didn’t do that.”
Webster is also never too far from her husband Keith, who went through the Paoli School system, graduating in 1969, and takes care of maintenance duties. Their kids, Tammy, Jaime, Branum as well as Amanda all graduated from Paoli Schools and still live within a short drive of home.
Though she has pondered retirement a few times, being secretary suits her needs and has worked out well since she always wanted an office job. For the time being, she plans to work as long as she is able.
The community has seen growth and change like many, but said she enjoys living in the area because it feels like an extended family. When she isn’t swamped by the latest school year, she enjoys helping out at church through activities like Sunday school.
“It’s the closeness you can have with the whole community and I feel like I could ask anyone for anything and they’d do it if it was in their ability,” said Webster. “I don’t bound out of bed every morning, but I love my job.”
Arts
Related Photos
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Rick Worden, Superintendent of Paoli Schools, and Marilyn Webster, administrative secretary, are examples of those who work behind the scenes of the educational process. Marilyn has been at Paoli for 32 years and is this week’s Noteworthy Neighbor. Ezra Mann
Discussion
Paoli School more than a home
Noteworthy Neighbor
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