MADISON – Lisa Parkes was “totally shocked” to learn that she had received the “Staff Member of the Year” distinction at Bob Jones High School.

“I retired at the end of the school year after 14 years, which is a happy and sad time. So, to say the least, I was shocked,” Parkes said. She worked as the school receptionist.

Before joining the staff at Bob Jones, Parkes worked as an administrative assistant for 50 engineers at Rockwell Space Systems. “Then, I became a stay-at-home mother to four children,” she said.

In her work, Parkes obviously deals with many teenagers on a daily basis. “I see hard work and determination in these wonderful kids,” she said.

Within the last year, she recalls one of those students as especially focused. “This student has a heart of gold. Humility, kindness, hard working at school and away from school. Truly an exceptional person. This young person will go far in life,” Parkes said.

She is married to John Parkes, who works as an engineer at Teledyne Brown Engineering. All four of their children, along with Lisa, graduated from Bob Jones. Son Luke of Madison is 34 years old and works as an IT specialist. Twins James, a web developer, and Jarrod, a mobile developer, are 29 years old and live in Huntsville. Alexis, 26, of Madison is a registered nurse.

Parkes is a member of CrossPointe Church in Madison. With her church, she volunteers at the Downtown Rescue Mission.

“I love to read, knit and work on calligraphy. However, the greatest hobby I have is my grand babies. I have four grandbabies and one due in June,” Lisa said.

Each year, schools in the Madison district select Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year for exemplary service. The Central Office and Transportation Department also select a Staff Member of the Year. Winners are presented $500 and become eligible for districtwide honors announced at the beginning of the next school year.