Secretary gets surprise honor

HONORED FOR HER WORK—St. Jude School secretary Charlotte Annino, second from right, shows off a bouquet given to her at an assembly to commemorate her 25 years of service to the school. With her are her family members Amy, Kim, Frank and George. The students, administration, alumni and families at St. Jude's School in Westlake Village recently honored Charlotte Annino for her 25 years of service as secretary to the school.

In a surprise studentbody assembly on Nov. 3, "Miss Charlotte," as she is affectionately known to the school's students and parents, was greeted by students, alumni, parents, current and former faculty, and family members. She was awarded a crystal clock inscribed with a message of appreciation.

As the school's secretary, Annino is a key resource for parents, students, teachers and staff.

Annino's first contact with the school was as a parent in 1982, when St. Jude's School first opened. Her daughter Amy was in the first graduating eighth-grade class.

After serving as a parent volunteer, she began working parttime in the school office in 1983 and the next year became a fulltime employee.

"Miss Charlotte exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, commitment, and dedication . . . obviously important elements for someone being in a ministry for 25 years," said Principal Pat Hayes.

According to Hayes, Annino believes that the most important and rewarding part of her job are the children. She always makes sure the children are happy and safe and feel at home at the school.

"Charlotte takes on the role of mother-away-from-home for many students, someone they can turn to during the school day. Charlotte certainly has touched the lives of a number of students and families, leaving lasting memories of their time at St. Jude the Apostle School," said Hayes.