If you were to take a walk past the 12th Grade House Office, you would see two women peering out from behind their computers. They are always busy, pleasant, and helpful.
If you stick around, however, you’ll learn even more about the individuals who organize the Spring-Ford senior’s House Office.
You might find the pair breaking out into song, talking about which Dunkin Donuts they prefer, or buzzing in one of the many kids they recognize and enjoy talking to.
The 12th Grade Office administrative assistants, better known as Brandy Kershaw and Kristin Schmidt, are the smiling faces that keep this school organized and set up for success.
Even though Schmidt has only been here for around two years, she has made a lasting impression on her now senior class. She says one of her favorite parts of the job is the kids.
“I love seeing all the smiling faces walking through the doors,” Schmidt said. “Getting to buzz everyone in and having them walk by my desk starts my day on the right foot.”
She enjoys breaking out into song with her office mate Kershaw, and they also stay up to date on the most current TikTok trends.
“We should really have cameras following us all day down here,” Kershaw said with a laugh. “You would be surprised we ever got work done!”
Kershaw’s desk is representative of her kind personality, with a plant greeting people and a Spring-Ford colored jar of blue and yellow M&M’s behind her desk.
When she is not checking the 10-plus security cameras or scheduling meetings for the guidance counselors, Kershaw enjoys taking a dance break with Schmidt and feeding the fish outside the office. She has been here longer than her counterpart, and has made a big impact on students as well.
Although Kershaw and Schmidt both agree that seeing kids grow over their high school years is impactful, senior year is Kershaw’s favorite.
“The kids who come in here to talk and update us on every part of their lives makes me so happy inside,” Kershaw said. “I love hearing how they are and in this year how the college or career search is going”.
Even though the school year brings happy memories, graduation is what sticks out in the senior lineup of activities for these esteemed staff members.
“Seeing everyone walk across that stage after everything they have accomplished is one of the best parts of my job,” Kershaw said.
Anytime a guidance counselor, principal, or police officer housed in the 12th Grade House office leaves their room and walks up to the front, they cannot help but to smile and laugh as well.
Kershaw and Schmidt are sunshine in human form, and the backbone that helps to keep the Spring-Ford in such great harmony.
