A Starcatcher, a groundbreaking, a congressional medal winner. These were among the subjects of celebration covered by local media during the busy month of November.

Here are all the good news headlines:

• Central High School teacher (Trisha Grassa) named outstanding educator (Community Free Press).
• Mock election teaches kids about voting process at Sequiota and Pittman elementary schools  (KOLR-10; KSMU, Nov. 4).
• Hickory Hills breaks ground on new school (Community Free Press; News-Leader, Nov. 5).
• Kickapoo celebrates national French week (Community Free Press).
• Parkview high kicks off theatre season with “Working” (Community Free Press; News-Leader, Nov. 5).
• Obama visit - big civic moment for Parkview (News-Leader, Nov.1).
• National Merit Scholarship semifinalists (News-Leader, Nov. 1).
• WALL-E models caring at Cherokee Middle School (News-Leader, Nov. 4).
  

Successful organizations take time to celebrate the good things going on around them. Here is a summary of recent events and achievements from across the district we wanted to share with everyone. Thanks to all who contributed. Keep the celebrations coming.

In the spirit of celebration, district administrators have been asking people in our schools a few questions about their building principal:

What makes your principal a good administrator? What do you enjoy most about working with him or her? Have you seen them commit any “random acts of greatness?”

The responses have been phenomenal, heartfelt, inspiring – and we felt the need to share them on this page. So here is a summary of “Random Acts of Greatness.”

Ann White

Name/job title: Ann White, Administrative Services Liaison and Instructional Specialist.

Years at SPS: 17

Best part of my job: " Every day is interesting. I enjoy working two different jobs. As administrative services liaison, I get to address patron concerns, questions, and problem solving. As an instructional specialist for our schools, I have learned so much from working with teachers, administrators and students. I find that active listening is an important element of working with people whether it be a parent, a community member, teacher or a student."

Favorite things to do when I’m not at work: “I enjoy fishing in the summer, but currently, I am in the process of making a journal of everyday stories about my first two grandchildren. Each time I am with them, I write down cute short stories about what each child is doing. I draw illustrations and make sure to include the smallest details. I sign each story at the end with “I love you, forever”… Mimi (which is my grandmommie name). Each boy has his own book which I plan to give them on their first birthday."

People would be surprised to learn that: " I once won a gold medal in a track race while sick with the mumps and with a fever of 101 degrees."