Sometimes, an individual chooses to go above and beyond the requirements of the job description. For 26 years, Kathy Schroll, the principal’s secretary at Coolspring Elementary School in Michigan City, has been doing just that. Not only does she help the school operate smoothly on a day-to-day basis, she also strives to instruct and care for its students as she would her own children.
“I love my job here at Coolspring Elementary, and I’m very passionate about it,” said Schroll. “I love all the staff, the parents, and the students here. It feels like I’m a mom to 300-something kids, and I want to see each of them succeed.”
As a native of Portage, Schroll attended Jones Elementary School during the early years of her education. She eventually went on to attend Portage High School. Upon graduating, she began working as a secretary at Bethlehem Steel. After spending about five years in the position, Schroll decided to be a stay-at-home mom and focus on raising her four sons. She started getting involved at Coolspring when her kids began kindergarten there.
“I felt like I should be a part of the school and learn about it,” Schroll said. “I would volunteer at the different functions they held, like ice cream socials and fun fairs. I also helped sell lunches to the students. I got to know the kids and just got more involved.”
Schroll also served as the president of the parent-teacher organization at Coolspring for six years. After volunteering at the school in these various capacities for about 10 years, Schroll heard about an opening for the principal’s secretary position at Coolspring. She applied for the job, got it, and has been happily working there ever since. Looking back on her early years at Coolspring, Schroll explained why she decided to become more involved at the school.
“I’ve always felt that children will have a good feeling about coming to school when their parents are involved in their life and do things with them,” said Schroll. “That way, you can let your kids know you consider their life to be as important as their education. When you’re there alongside them, you can show them their education and activities are something they should be proud of. I wanted my kids to know I was proud of their accomplishments. Because I also volunteered at the school while they were there, I was able to show them you can give of yourself to help others and still receive from the experience.”
When her sons moved on to other schools, Schroll continued to give back to her community through volunteering. She was the band booster president for several years at Michigan City High School during her sons’ time there. Even today, she continues to volunteer at Michigan City High by selling tickets at the school’s football and basketball games. Schroll seems to have found personal fulfillment through both her volunteering and her work.
“You should take pride in your job and in yourself,” Schroll said. “If you take pride in yourself, then pride flows over into all aspects of your life. For example, I'm very proud to live in and be a part of the Michigan City community. I know a lot of the families here, and I've come to know many more families by working at Coolspring. I always try to encourage the kids I work with to get involved in a variety of activities in the community.”
When she isn’t working, Schroll enjoys shopping or spending time with her friends and family. She takes great pleasure in visiting with her 10 grandchildren and attending their various activities. She and her family also make a point of attending the many parades and festivals that Michigan City has to offer.