On Wednesday 16, 2024, Kathy Winningham was cornered by her fellow staff during what had seemed to be a random all-staff meeting. To her surprise, she was awarded the district’s Brass-Apple award. This award is only awarded to one staff member from the entire GAPS district. 

     “I was so touched…because you are nominated by your peers, they write letters [to nominate you],” Winningham said. “I had no idea that it was coming out.” 

     She began working within the school district in 2001 and spent three years at a different school before transferring to WAHS where she’s spent more than twenty years of her career. Winningham has spent her days cataloging new books, arranging books on shelves, stamping books during check-out, and caring for them by wiping the spines of the books—and she said she has enjoyed every step of the process. 

     “And I love the students who come and visit me. That has been really special,” Winningham said. 

     Originally, Winningham has made the choice to be present at home with her young children; however, once her son entered middle school one of his teachers recommended that Winningham apply for a job at a school that was just supervising young kids at recess. She applied for the position and was accepted. With over 20 years of experience, Winningham is looking to retire now. 

     “My husband is completely retired and I’m at an age where at the end of the day I’m really tired,” Winningham said. “So, I’m looking forward to establishing some different friend groups.” 

     She is hoping to volunteer at the public library every now and then, but her and her husband’s heart is set on traveling—and their travels are beginning in August with a cruise to Alaska. 

     As for the feelings Winningham is leaving West with, they are nothing but positive for both the staff and students that she feels she has had the honor of working with.

     “I would say even on [my] hardest days [I am] so lucky to be here,” Winningham said.