When a visitor approaches Woodford County High School, they can see right away many of the school’s most cherished traditions displayed on the front doors: the colors of black and gold, the beloved Yellowjacket mascot, and the motto, “The Gold Standard.” Visitors are likely already familiar with Woodford’s colors and mascot, but to understand the motto, they need only to walk a few steps through the door towards the front office window to be greeted by a true embodiment of The Gold Standard.
Emily Bays, Attendance Clerk at WCHS, is that embodiment of the kindness, respect, selflessness, and work ethic which Woodford County strives to instill within students. It is for these qualities and for many other reasons that Emily is the recipient of the 2019-2020 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Woodford County High School.
Although it has only been a few years since Emily joined Team Woodford, the opportunity to work in education and to spend time investing in students has meant so much to her. In fact, interacting with students, families, and coworkers is her favorite part of her job. She especially enjoys getting to know the seniors that are assigned as student aids in the front office. Mrs. Bays builds relationships with these students by supporting them through the college decision process, breakups, and the countless other big moments that occur throughout the high school experience. She says, “Getting to have a front row seat to their lives in this season is a really big privilege.”
In addition to offering a listening ear and words of wisdom to students, Emily also encourages them in their passions and various extracurricular activities. In fact, she was helping to choreograph the school musical, Legally Blonde, before it was canceled due to the pandemic. Emily was truly enjoying working on the choreography side of the play because she has always had an appreciation for dance and theater. She laughs and says, “I was that kid in high school. I loved musical theater.” However, what Emily was enjoying most about helping with Legally Blonde was having yet another opportunity to impact students. She remarks, “I loved getting to watch kids step into roles that I’m not sure they were initially confident they could do. Getting to watch their confidence build and their skillset build was very cool.”
Mrs. Bays also deeply enjoys getting to work alongside such a caring, dedicated staff. She appreciates how strongly each teacher believes in the subject and the classes they teach. Emily says, “Having a passionate teacher like that matters...Not only do they care about whatever it is they’re teaching, but they care so much for the students...To see the way that my coworkers surround students and cheer people on is inspiring.” Emily notes how special it is to be in a work environment that feels more like a family than a group of coworkers. She feels that she can seek advice and support from any one of her fellow staff members. Emily explains that she even feels a sense of connection and loyalty to Woodford employees throughout the district and not just within her school.
The impact that Emily’s teammates have on her is significant. Likewise, what Emily contributes to the school community is valued tremendously by the staff at WCHS. Summer Amro, Social Studies teacher, describes the award winner as follows:
Emily Bays is the glue that holds Woodford County High School together. She does so much for our students, whether it has to do with attendance or being involved in choreography for the musical. Not only does she do these things, but she also does them with so much love in her heart. Our students genuinely enjoy spending time helping Emily with anything she needs. Not only do our students enjoy her company, so does the staff. Emily is all around such a bright light in the WCHS community and I am so grateful to have her not only as a colleague but as a friend. Woodford County High School will be forever grateful for Emily Bays!
Kevin Faris, Associate Principal, adds, “Mrs. Bays is one of the friendliest and most positive people at WCHS. She understands the way a school works and is able to work with our students and staff so as to help them do what needs to be done in a positive and productive way.” Mr. Faris also mentions how Emily is the first person a visitor encounters when coming to WCHS. She represents the high school well and always greets visitors with a warm smile and a genuine desire to help. The school community rests assured that all guests experience a positive first impression of WCHS.
Whether it be fulfilling the responsibilities of her role with dedication and a sweet spirit or going above and beyond by offering a helping hand to students and staff alike, Emily is a vital member of Team Woodford. We are thrilled to see her receive the Woodford Outstanding Service Award.
Congratulations, Emily!
