Entering Milford High School involves just a few simple steps: showing your ID, signing in, and grabbing a pass. But behind the scenes, it’s the main office staff that keeps everything running smoothly. While many students might recognize their faces or names, few know the hard work and dedication that go into making sure the office functions correctly. While there are many staff members behind the scenes, two of the most important current people are Attendance Secretary Colleen Darnall and Front Office Para Secretary Brooke Miller.
There are plenty of tasks that need to be done each day to keep the main office running smoothly. Darnall, who has 20 years of experience working in the school system, joined the high school office after she worked as a special education para at the elementary level. “I used to work at the elementary school for 12 years,” Darnall explained. “But after I got hurt on the job, I had to take two years to recover. When I came back, I couldn’t do the job anymore, I saw an office para job at Milford opened.”
As for Miller, she had completed two semesters of college before deciding to take a break. “I wanted to get into the secretarial field,” she stated. “When I saw the job opening here, I applied. I thought starting here would help me grow and move up in the secretarial world.”
With so much to do and only two people to complete the work their days look quite different. As a secretary para, Miller’s tasks vary depending on the time of year. “When homecoming comes around, I work on sending out forms to other schools. I also help with finding substitutes for teachers and help students with signing in. Also, I answer calls from parents,” she explained.
Darnall’s day looks a bit different because she is managing everything from answering three phone lines to calling students down to the office. “I have three different phone lines that I listen to, and two email accounts I respond to. And then calling kids down to leave, So pretty much answering the phone, but it’s a lot,” she joked. Both manage to stay on top of everything, Although some days are stressful, they ensure all jobs are done correctly.
Every job has its challenges, and working in the office brings many too. For Darnall, one of the toughest parts of her job is dealing with attendance. “A lot of people don’t understand how attendance works, and they get upset when I can’t make changes until the students physically check in,” she explains. “Busy times, like prom and Spirit Week, are challenging times as well.”
When they’re not at Milford, Darnall and Miller enjoy a variety of hobbies. Miller played soccer in high school and still does so for fun. She also enjoys sewing and spending time with her family.
Darnall shares a similar value for family, like with her oldest granddaughter, who is graduating this year. “I try to spend as much time as I can with her,” she says. “This is her last year of school,” she added, tearing up.
Outside of family time and working, Darnall enjoys gardening, sewing, and crafts, as well as taking long walks and spending time on her boat.
Most importantly, what do they love most? For both of them, it’s the community.
“I love the people here—the teachers, the staff, everyone,” said Miller. I love the connection I get to make with everyone.” Darnall agrees. “I love interacting with the students,” she said.
Oftentimes, we look past the people who help the most. Next time you’re walking into Milford High School, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work these women bring to our school. They’re the ones who make sure the office runs smoothly, always with a smile.