Yay of the Day logo

YAY JESSICA SHIRLEY! Jessica Shirley, a school security officer at Twin Hickory Elementary School, is today's "Yay of the Day" honoree! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored her recently at Twin Hickory.

YAYWORTHY:

Nominator Becky Lucas said:

"She brings the perfect blend of calm and fun to Twin Hickory. This amazing woman is essential to the safety and well-being of our school. She's a whirlwind of positive energy, from high-fiving kids in the cafeteria to rescuing parents with flat tires in the parking lot! Need a friendly face in the hallway? Jessica's there, walking alongside overwhelmed students and making sure everything runs smoothly (and quietly – those doors don't close themselves!). She dedicates her entire day to supporting everyone, building trust instantly with her warm smile and open heart. And the best part? Every day is a fresh start for her students – no judgments, just pure support. We're incredibly lucky to have her brightening our school!

"She worked with a student who had experienced a deeply distressing event, gently guiding them towards understanding that school is a safe and supportive place. She helped this student see that school security officers, like herself, are trustworthy individuals who are there to help and protect, fostering a sense of security and well-being that allowed the student to focus on learning and healing."

Thank you for all you do, Jessica Shirley, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward!

• No. 60 in a series. Read more at https://www.henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day.