Webb Elementary volunteer honored

By Jim Cook

Published: May 21, 2008

WEBB — Linda Ward is Webb Elementary School’s angel.

“That’s what she reminds us of,” said Connie Tucker, a Webb Elementary teacher. “I think she’s so willing and even when she’s not around, we know she’s out there doing something.”

Ward has been a constant helpful presence at the school for the past year, helping to tutor students, run copies, clean classrooms and perform many tedious, but necessary tasks required to run a school. According to Tucker, Ward was key in helping a Hispanic student learn to read English. Tucker said Ward spent countless hours tutoring the student.

“She just can’t say no,” Tucker said. “She’s just a very willing lady, very unselfish.”

Marsha Shelly, assistant principal, said, “She helps me with anything I ask of her. She’s awesome.”

All of Ward’s work is unpaid except for the joy she says she experiences from helping others.

“I just love children,” Ward said.

According to Tucker, in an era of lean education budgets, Ward’s efforts to ease the workload of the school’s teachers are very welcome at Webb. Like many schools throughout Alabama, Webb may face cutbacks due to the Alabama Legislature’s failure to pass an education budget during its regular session.

On Wednesday, third-grade students at Webb showed their appreciation for Ward’s work by throwing a party in her honor. The students presented Ward with a quilt with individual squares decorated by each student. The party was a closely kept secret among the teachers and students for five months prior to the event.

“My trick is not thinking about it,” said Matthew Lewis, a student at the school.

Appropriately enough, the students sang Alabama’s “Angels Among Us” at the surprise party on Wednesday, visibly moving Ward.

“Y’all are making me cry,” she said.