Tricia Rudy named Husky Hero for March

Tricia Rudy, a counselor for Hamilton Heights Elementary School and approaching her 20th year at Heights, was selected as the Husky Hero for the month of March. (From left) Heights Elementary Principal Julie Griffey, Tricia Rudy, and Craig and Amber Bowen of F.C. Tucker. (Photo provided)

Tricia Rudy, who serves as a counselor at Hamilton Heights Elementary School, was named as the Husky Hero for March. Her primary goal is providing social, emotional, behavioral, academic support, and guidance.

In addition, Rudy helps facilitate and develop prevention and intervention programs to address common issues and problems that children face during the elementary school years. She wears many hats in her role and is well respected and admired by her colleagues and families for her compassion, empathy, knowledge, and ability to help students reach optimal outcomes.

“Tricia Rudy is a Husky Hero for many reasons,” said Julie Griffey, who says she has the pleasure of seeing Rudy in action every day. “Mrs. Rudy’s key role at HHES is serving as one of our two school counselors. She also coordinates many programs that benefit our HHES students and their families on a weekly basis. On Thursdays you can find Mrs. Rudy in our HHES Little Husky Backpack Food Program. She organizes food going home for families every Friday afternoon. Mrs. Rudy also collaborates with members in our community to serve as lunch mentors to our elementary students. This amazing program gives our students one more person that is vested in their happiness and success. During the day you can find Mrs. Rudy coaching students and teachers in learning how to resolve conflict, show kindness, and become the best versions of themselves. Tricia Rudy is truly a Husky Hero.”

“I love making sure students and staff are seen, heard, and loved,” said Rudy, who admits she does not like any attention directed her way. “However, I do know how important it is to recognize each other for a job well done. It means something to be recognized in a community that does a lot of good for each other. I am especially proud of working with students, teams, and HHSC groups to support our Weekend Food Backpack program. Getting food to people is one of the easiest things anyone can do to support kids and families.”

“I am motivated by change and conflict,” said Rudy on what drives her passion for her work. “We are living in a world where change and conflict are always seen as ‘bad.’ That is only true if you accept that it is ‘bad.’ Just like failure can be the best tool for learning, conflict can be a great tool for learning peace and restoration. As a school counselor, I am always motivated to help young people walk through conflicts and changes in their lives. It can be some of the most powerful and lasting learning.”

Rudy said this award is a reminder there are people who deserve gratitude for what they do.

“It’s not about money or recognition,” she pointed out. “It’s about a simple ‘I see you. I am grateful for you.’ I will try even harder to notice the amazing things going on at HHSC, so I can properly thank people who are making good things happen!”

“Tricia Rudy is the perfect example of a HUSKY SERVANT and so deserving of this award!” Griffey said.

Congratulations to the March Husky Hero. Thank you, Tricia Rudy for making an impactful difference in Hamilton Heights schools and being a Husky Hero.

Do you know a Husky Hero? Nomination forms and information about this special recognition program for Hamilton Heights employees are available at bit.ly/hhschuskyhero. The Husky Hero Recognition program is made possible through the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation in partnership with Craig and Amber Bowen (F.C. Tucker).

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