Julie Whiteley 

Whiteley is the principal’s secretary at Garner Elementary, and she’s often the first person to arrive at work. She warmly greets students and employees as they come to school and is known for having positive relationships with all staff.

Whiteley takes time to read to students and comforts them when they are sick. She also cheers their academic progress and good behavior. Garner administrators say the school runs more efficiently because of the systems Whiteley has developed. In addition, she volunteers her time with the school’s advisory committee and PTO.