Brent Roberts is the recipient of the 2018-2019 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Huntertown Elementary. Crystal Harvey, Kindergarten teacher at Huntertown, says that Brent has made the school "a better, more caring, successful place for students and staff." We are excited to highlight Brent as one of our Woodford Outstanding Service Award recipients for the past year.
After working in technology for thirteen years, Brent Roberts knew that he needed to change his career in order to pursue his passion for kids. Brent became an Instructional Assistant at Huntertown Elementary, and he cherishes the opportunity to work with children every day. Brent says that the most rewarding part of his job is getting to see the growth that occurs in students throughout each school year. As an Instructional Assistant in a Kindergarten classroom, Brent has an important role in helping young students learn and absorb all of the information that is available to them every day. From the first day of school to the last, Kindergarten students, in particular, experience immense growth. When thinking about the role he plays in their lives and learning, Brent smiles and says, “It’s amazing watching a child’s growth.”
This year is especially nostalgic for Mr. Roberts; his students from his first year of being in the Kindergarten classroom are now in their first year of middle school. Brent has now seen a full cycle of students through Huntertown and has witnessed student growth over the course of several years. Brent remarks, “I just love education and love the kids. It’s about the kids. I know I have a set job to do, but at the end of the day, I just want the kids to grow into the best children they can be. It’s about them.”
Brent truly exemplified this mentality when starting Boys on the Court, which is a wonderful, after school opportunity for 4th and 5th grade boys. The boys in this age group saw how much fun the Girls on the Run participants were having in their organization. Several boys approached Mr. Roberts and asked if they could have a running club, too. Brent jokingly explains, “Well...I don’t like to run, but I do run when playing basketball. So I asked Mrs. Kaiser if we could have this opportunity for the older boys.” Brent truly enjoys getting to spend time with the boys after school. They run drills, practice various techniques, learn sportsmanship, and enjoy an afternoon together on the basketball court. Boys on the Court is yet another example of Brent’s passion for children and dedication to Huntertown.
Elaine Kaiser, Principal of Huntertown Elementary, shares this sentiment about Mr. Roberts, “Brent is a positive role model with all students. His warm and caring personality helps students feel comfortable when working with him. He goes above and beyond each day. He saw a need for an after school club and started Boys on the Court. He is a valuable member of our Huntertown family.”
Mrs. Harvey adds, “Brent is an unsung hero who we have the privilege of working with each and every day. Brent's sacrifices do not go unnoticed by his co-workers...He has made a positive difference in every student that he has come in contact with. He sees something in every student that they may not even see in themselves. He is the reason so many accomplish not only their academic goals but personal goals.” Brent has truly made an impact on the students and staff of Huntertown Elementary, and we are so grateful to have his warmth and passion in our school district.
