FALL RIVER: An educator that makes a difference in the lives of the students she helps is the fourth and final recipient chosen for the #WeMakeHappy campaign.
Lockview High School vice principal Cheryl Conrad had her name drawn by The Laker News part-owner/ad sales/reporter Pat Healey and Dairy Queen Fall River franchisee/manager Peggy Rust during the August 30 draw, which wrapped up the month-long campaign that was a partnership between #TheLakerNews and the Fall River Dairy Queen.
Conrad picked up her 8” cake on Aug. 31 during a break in preparing the school for the return of students, scheduled for Sept. 8.
“As a vice principal, I always try to make myself as available as possible (to the students),” said Conrad, who’s smile was evident even under her face mask. “I talk with the students about their interest; hobbies; things they like.
“Whatever questions they have they know they’re free to come and ask me at any time.”
She said it was humbling to be drawn as the recipient for the campaign.
“It means a lot,” she said. “My eyes may have got a tiny bit moist for sure.
“It just validates and means what I am doing is making a difference for my students. It really warms my heart to know they’re thinking about me and appreciating it.”
Conrad said the nomination and selection through the draw shows other teachers they are being noticed in the learning environment.
“It points out that, yeah even though we think our students don’t notice sometimes, they really do, and it matters a lot to them,” she said. “We need to keep doing our best to show them we care.”
The other winners drawn included: Lyle Mailman of Beaver Bank (week 1); Stephanie Dube, Paula Beck-MacKenzie; and Jen Reed, all of Fall River (week 2); Vicki Gomes of Fall River (week 3); and Conrad.
The Fall River Dairy Queen and The Laker News would like to thank all who took the time to submit names that make happy in our Fall River and area communities. The campaign was a success, and talks are underway for doing something around the Holidays.
