Helping Heart

Sat., March 1, 1997

Lori A. Johnson

Pat Bareither

Pat Bareither has worked as a school secretary with the Liberty School District for over 30 years. I observe her every day as she deals with both adults and students, and she is one of the most extraordinary people I know. Our school serves nearly 500 students from preschool through eighth grade and the office is a busy and sometimes stressful place to work. Mrs. Bareither always smiles and does whatever it takes to help the person who needs her. She puts bandages on crying children, takes telephone calls from disgruntled parents, runs photocopies for teachers and, on a daily basis, answers every possible question an elementary or junior high school student can dream up.

Even if she is busy or tired, she takes the time to stand up and walk all the way to the counter and lean over to bring herself to the level of the student who needs her.

Generations of students have peeked over the office counter to see Mrs. Bareither there, smiling and ready to help. She probably doesn’t know this, but she has been a role model for me as well, with her constantly cheerful attitude and her ability to find the best in every situation.

Our school would not be the same without her and I am not alone in appreciating her everyday heroics. Thank you, Mrs. Bareither!

By Lori A. Johnson principal of Liberty Elementary and Junior High School in Spangle , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color Photos

MEMO: If you would like to nominate someone as an Everyday Hero, write a short essay between 100 and 200 words telling us about your hero and send it to: Everyday Hero, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane WA 99210-1615.

If you would like to nominate someone as an Everyday Hero, write a short essay between 100 and 200 words telling us about your hero and send it to: Everyday Hero, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane WA 99210-1615.