Asset Builder Spotlight

September - 2007
In a school that embraces the unique differences in students from all backgrounds there is one commonality between them: They all love the kissing lady named Anita. Anita has worked at St. Louis Park High School for 35 years. When she interviewed for the position, it was not exactly known what her role would be, but Anita embraced the opportunity. She took on the challenge of friendliness and closeness as part of the children’s education.

“School helps create self-esteem, when a child likes themselves, and their teachers, they are going to learn what the teachers are teaching,” said Anita. The teens look to Anita as a grandmother figure. They all know that Anita will be there to write them a pass when they get to school, or for a shoulder to lean on when they need to talk. “Kids make you feel young at heart,” said Anita. “ I treat them the way they want to be treated.”

Anita has lived in St Louis Park for over 50 years. As a mother herself, she knows the importance of holding kids responsible for their actions, along with seeing the good in all young people. “I have stood up for kids when I knew that the trouble they were in was not entirely their fault, and I have also held them responsible for the trouble they had fully created,” Anita explained.

Anita practices modesty in her life and believes whatever good you do comes back to you in other ways. “I have never had a bad day at work.” Anita exclaimed, “ I’m still kicking at my age, just not as high!” Anita explains her position as the person who writes passes for children, checks in books and helps out wherever she is needed. “I probably should retire, but this school gives me such a good, quiet, peaceful feeling,” Anita said.

The first day Anita was called the kissing lady was in 1972. Her son ran up to her after school and told her that it was Buzzy’s birthday, so she bent down and kissed him on the check. After that day everyone came to her and told her when it was their birthday so she could give them a kiss on the check. “They even came to me when it wasn’t their birthday. They just told me they were having a bad day and I would give them a kiss,” said Anita. “ It doesn’t matter whose birthday it is, it could be a teacher or the superintendent, they’ll get a birthday kiss from me.”

Anita has helped create a caring school climate, which is asset #5: School provides a caring, encouraging environment. She also believes in school boundaries, asset #12: School provides clear rules and consequences. “I have caught many children smoking throughout my 35 years of employment, and I could always catch up with them,” said Anita. “ They were always surprised that I could run as fast as them!” Anita has helped the school system encourage students to do the best that they can in life, as described in asset #16 high expectations: Encouraging the young person to do well.

“I don’t want an empty life and I encourage the children to have full lives,” said Anita.

Written by Julie Meintsma.