Sharon L. Duncan
is honored with a Brick from Gail Kelly
I met Sharon Duncan for the first time while interviewing for a teaching position in the Derby USD #260 school district. Sharon was one of the principals conducting the interviews. She was very professional, yet personable, and I knew I wanted to work in her school. It has been almost ten years since we first met and she has proved to be a valuable role model and friend.
Sharon began teaching in 1963 and has been a principal for the past 12 years. All of her teaching experience shines through as she works with the teachers and students at El Paso Elementary. Sharon goes above and beyond her administrative duties as a principal. She genuinely loves all the students in her building and knows each one by name. Every morning and afternoon (rain, shine, sleet, heat, sleet, or snow) you will find her outside in front of the school making sure that students cross the street safely. She can also be found in the lunchroom everyday from I 1: 3 0- 1:00 (complete with an apron and hat) serving lunch to the students. Her dedication to the students and staff is astounding. She will never ask a staff member to do anything she is not willing to do herself.
Sharon is remarkably organized and "runs a tight ship." Although she maintains a very busy schedule, she always makes herself available to anyone who needs to talk (whether it be professional or personal). Sharon is easy to talk to and puts people at ease when they have issues they need to discuss. I appreciate that she always lets you know where you stand and doesn't "sugar coat" the facts.
Sharon's extraordinary commitment as a principal comes from her strong belief that the highest calling in life is to serve others. She finds education to be the most rewarding way to do this and says there has never been a day when she did not want to come to school. She has touched so many lives as a teacher, mentor and role model. Sharon leads by example and it is through her warmth, generosity and dedication to serving others that she is a Heroine in the truest sense.
Submitted By:Gail Kelly
December 13,2000
