When entering Alvirne High School, you can always count on being greeted by a friendly smile and a warm welcome. Laura Bernier, a member of the Alvirne staff, works in the front lobby ensuring that people coming into the school feel kindly greeted.

"We were looking for an administrative assistant, not a security officer, who would become the voice and face of those entering Alvirne High School," said Alvirne Principal Steve Beals. "Laura has great interpersonal skills, cares deeply for our student body, and is very accommodating for parents and other school visitors."

This is Bernier’s third year working at Alvirne High School as a secretary, and she has already had a huge impact on the school.

Not only is Bernier a well-known smiling face; she is also an incredibly important member of the school system. She is in charge of keeping track of students’ attendance throughout the day, as well as knowing their location. When students need to be dismissed or they arrive tardy, Bernier takes care of distributing appropriate passes to them.

She has many responsibilities, but one of her most significant jobs as a staff member at Alvirne is developing relationships with the kids at Alvirne. When Bernier first started at Alvirne, she wasted no time in creating connections with students and making them feel important.

"I think it’s really special that she goes out of her way to know students’ names, even when the students do not necessarily talk to her a lot, and she always has a smile on her face no matter what time of day it is," said senior Abigail Sakati. "She delivers the same kindness to every student she talks to."

"Since the time she started working here, Mrs. Bernier has welcomed me every morning when I come into the school," said Daniel Brown, another senior at Alvirne. "You can always count on her to cheer you up if you’re not having a great day. Last week, she even tied my tie for me because I didn’t know how."

It is easy to see the effect Bernier has on the students from the smiles they have after speaking with her.

Bernier is one of the chief people who contribute to the heart and spirit of Alvirne High School. The entire student body can conclude that she is one of the hardest-working and kindest people at Alvirne. Laura Bernier works in the Steckevicz lobby Monday through Friday.

Jordyn McFadden is a senior at Alvirne High School.