New Elementary School Secretary Fueled by Smiling Young Faces

Hannah Becker understands well the role she now occupies.

Stepping in as secretary at the Elementary School for the person who previously held that job for 35 years before retiring is quite the task. But Mrs. Becker is confident she can make the transition seamless not only because she has the skill, but also because she has the passion.

“I love these kids as much as I love my daughters,” she said.

Maryln is 9 years old and Maxine is 4, so seeing those smiles at the start of each day is a bright luxury, she said. And as we know, smiles are contagious so being on the receiving end of dozens of small, smiling faces each morning makes for an energetic scene.

Mrs. Becker, who attended Marion High in Wayne County before finishing high school in the Albany area, said that connection with her daughter’s friends has helped her connect with the parents of other district students. She’s lived in the district with her husband Craig, children and two dogs since 2018 and she is eager to be as big of a help as any secretary can be.

“It doesn’t intimidate me but I also know that Kathy trained me to be ready and she knows I’m a local parent,” Mrs. Becker said of Kathy Hoertz, who retired in August after 35 years with the district. “I also know I have many people I can reach out to for help.”