Bronson education aide praised for her efforts

Donna Leggett, an exceptional student education aide at Bronson Middle/High School, was selected as the 2009-2010 School-Related Employee of the Year.

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In her fourth year at Bronson, Leggett has devoted her time to tutoring and assisting some the school's neediest students. She also helps teachers with students that require special accommodations.

Her patience and understanding does not only apply to academics, either. She also helps students with their emotional well being, providing students with the encouragement they need to perform at their best.

She also donates her time when asked, performing tasks such as delivering textbooks to classrooms before the first day of school, preparing food for after hours activities and assisting with FCAT procedures.

She also types and distributes the school newsletter and helps out in the front office.

Leggett has also overcome some challenges of her own. She was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in 2009, a neurological syndrome caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.

She spent six weeks paralyzed in the hospital, followed by eight weeks of rehabilitation. Leggett remains paralyzed from the waist down.

But that has not stopped her efforts to helping students. She has returned to work to continue helping the students and school she loves.

Leggett was a unanimous selection over 11 other candidates for the award.