Ephraim Middle School secretary receives statewide honor after 28 years of service

EPHRAIM—After 28 years of service to Ephraim Middle School, longtime head secretary Anne Olson received statewide recognition Oct. 7 when the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals named her its Mid-Level Secretary of the Year.

The association presented Olson with the award during its annual Secretaries Conference at Thanksgiving Point, recognizing her dedication to students, families and staff, along with the institutional knowledge she has developed during nearly three decades at the school.

Principal John Gillett nominated Olson for the honor, citing her dependability, expertise and contributions to the school community.

“Her institutional knowledge is remarkable,” Gillett said. “She is an essential part of the heart and culture of Ephraim Middle School.”

Olson began working at Ephraim Middle School in 1998 as a paraprofessional before moving into a part-time secretarial position in 1999. Her initial responsibilities included overseeing student attendance and lunch operations.

In 2007, she became the school’s full-time head secretary, taking on responsibilities that include managing school finances, coordinating substitute teachers, preparing announcements and handling daily administrative operations.

Throughout her career, Olson has adapted to changes in school technology and financial management systems. She has learned four programs, including Excel, QuickBooks, TES and the school’s current system, SchoolCash.

Her experience has also made her a resource for school administrators. During her tenure, Olson has helped train six principals, including Gillett.

Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Olson has developed longstanding relationships with families throughout the three communities Ephraim Middle School serves: Ephraim, Manti and Sterling.

Affectionately known as “Grannie Annie,” Olson has numerous family connections to the school, with many of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews among its students.

Gillett credited Olson with bringing humor and warmth to the school while consistently looking after the needs of students and staff.

“Anne is an outstanding secretary and an irreplaceable member of our school community,” Gillett said. “She is exceptionally deserving of this honor.”

The recognition marks another milestone in Olson’s career at Ephraim Middle School, where she has served since 1998.