MCT-2024-08-01

Marion County’s Finest 2024— 7 Debbie Mount Is Finest School Secretary of 2024 D ebbie Mount has devoted nearly 29 years to her role as Secretary at South Pittsburg High School (SPHS), where her commitment runs deep, having graduated from the school herself. Her professional journey began at the local post office, where she worked for four years. Debbie’s time there kept her active and provided her with essential lessons in patience and public interaction. Debbie’s transition to the role of school secretary came about somewhat fortu- itously. After her stint at the post office ended, she learned of an opening at SPHS through friends. Given that her children were still in school—her daughter was a senior and her son was a sophomore—the job’s schedule was particularly attractive. Since starting at the high school, she has witnessed two of her grandsons graduate from SPHS and currently has two more grandsons and a granddaughter enrolled. Despite contemplating retirement in four years after her youngest grandson graduates, Debbie’s passion for her role remains unwavering. Her deep-rooted commitment to SPHS and its students underscores her profound connection to both the school and the community. Debbie credits her father and husband as the most influential figures in her life. Her father instilled in her the importance of hard work, a value that has guided her throughout her career. Her husband has consistently supported her, encouraging her to pursue and achieve her goals. Their influence has been crucial in shaping her work ethic and personal aspirations. In her daily role as Secretary at SPHS, Debbie starts her day around 7:30 a.m., preparing for the students’ arrival at 7:40 a.m. Her responsibilities are diverse, in- cluding managing attendance records, an- swering phones, overseeing security cam- eras, and inputting data for state reports. She tracks late arrivals, early departures, and doctor’s notes, and handles various administrative tasks, including running end-of-year reports and attending central office meetings. Despite the demands, Debbie’s favorite aspect of her job is interacting with the students. She finds great satisfaction in helping themwith their problems and an- swering their questions. Her dedication to working with children is evident, and she values her relationships with the teach- ers and staff, appreciating the supportive and collaborative work environment at the school. Debbie was both surprised and de- lighted to be nominated for the Finest Secretary of Marion County Schools. She learned of her nomination through a so- cial media post encouraging votes, shared by a former student. The recognition was unexpected, and the outpouring of sup- port from the community was a gratifying affirmation of her contributions. Looking ahead, Debbie hopes to leave a legacy of excellence as the school secre- tary, where her efforts are appreciated and acknowledged. She aspires to be remem- bered for her dedication and effectiveness, aiming to ensure that her work is valued and that she has made a positive impact on South Pittsburg High School. M ary Haley Adams has dedicated ap- proximately eight and a half years to public service, starting her career as a deputy clerk at the Marion County circuit court office. In September 2023, she tran- sitioned to a role with the city of Jasper, where she now manages marketing and serves as a billing administrator for water and sewer services. This shift to city work has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations, which differ in various ways from county operations but also share common ele- ments like effective cashmanagement and compliance with audits. Her current role demands meticulous attention to financial details, including safeguarding against fraud, reconciling bank statements, and handling public funds responsibly. To further enhance her expertise, Adams is pursuing certification as a Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO), with the goal of achieving certifi- cation by December. This ongoing educa- tion reflects her commitment to excelling in her role and contributing to the city’s financial integrity. Adams’ journey to her current position was influenced by her proactive involve- ment in managing the Town of Jasper’s Facebook page, which initially sparked her interest in a formal role within the city. Although she was originally hired with a focus on marketing, a staffing change led her to take on a more specialized role in water billing. Despite the shift, Adams has developed a strong affinity for her work in water billing, finding fulfillment in the blend of new and familiar challenges it presents. Deeply rooted in Jasper, where she has lived her entire life and graduated from Marion County High School, Adams has a strong connection to her community. Among the formative figures in her life, her sister stands out prominently. Despite their twelve-year age difference, Adams cherished working alongside her sister in a law office, a rewarding experience that shaped her professional approach. Her sister, now the clerk and master with the county, introduced Adams to the profes- sional world and instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of integrity. In addition to her sister, Adams’ parents played a significant role in her development. They emphasized the im- portance of self-reliance and a robust work ethic, values that have been crucial in her career. Their influence has shaped Adams into the competent and indepen- dent professional she is today. Adams finds great joy in organiz- ing community events, particularly the Jasper Jack-o-lantern Jamboree. As a Halloween enthusiast, she takes pride in enhancing this annual event, which provides local children with a fun and free activity close to home. Her team and she strive each year to make the event even bigger and better, reflecting their dedication to community engagement. Surprised and honored to be named the Finest Secretary/Administrative As- sistant in Marion County, Adams received the recognition with appreciation. Al- though she typically shies away from the spotlight, she values the acknowledg- ment and the support of her colleagues. Looking ahead, Adams is optimistic about the future growth and improve- ment of Jasper and Marion County. She aspires to advance within the city and contribute to its ongoing development, focusing on cost-efficient initiatives that benefit families. Her commitment to her role and the community under- scores her enthusiasm for future contri- butions to Jasper. Mary Haley Adams Named Finest Secretary in Marion County