For the Reporter

The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognizes Brenda Storm, a paraeducator at Lakeland Hills Elementary, for her outstanding service at 7 p.m. Monday in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Storm began her career in education at a private school in Enumclaw. When the school closed, she brought her considerable energy, kindness and joy to Auburn High School. She worked at Auburn High for two years and has been at Lakeland Hills for the last three years.

She loves every minute of it.

“I thrive on working in a school. I want every child to leave here every day knowing they have value,” Storm said. “Kids just need one person to believe in them so they will believe in themselves.”

Storm enjoys her work, the impact she can have on students. She said the staff is incredible and everyone supports each other. She admires Principal Ryan Foster’s leadership. From serving school lunches to vacuuming, she said there is nothing he won’t do to support Lakeland Hills.

“Brenda is a true asset,” said kindergarten teacher Sarah Karow. “There are days I don’t know what I would do without her. She always has a smile on her face.”

Added counselor Amanda Roberson: “Students want to be with Brenda because of her love, kindness and direction that she provides to students. She is by far the best paraeducator I have ever seen working with kids.”

Assistant Principal Colleen Barlow said: “She always works with students with compassion and patience. She is a true gem.”

Storm has been married to John for 32 years. They live in Bonney Lake. She has three grown children and four grandchildren. She enjoys gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.