Employees of the Month – April 2018
Bob Bauer: (Drama Teacher)
Bob grew up in West Texas among the oil wells, cotton fields, and the most beautiful sunsets in the world. He attended BYU and would walk past PHS every day on his way there and thought, “Wouldn’t it be funny if I ended up working there?” Fate had a sense of humor, and, lucky for us, he did get his first and only teaching job here and has been here for 13 years. He asks, “Why would I work anywhere else if I got it right the first time?” Bob enjoys working with the students of PHS. They surprise him every day with their wit, insight, creativity, and empathy. When Bob isn’t at work he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, writing music, and participating in robust critical analysis of film with his wife.
Here are a few things colleagues had to say about Bob:
Bob has been an incredible mentor and colleague. I’ve learned so much from working with him on the musicals and having him as our department chair.
Bob is so talented in his area and has always been able to help his students find success in a variety of settings. We are lucky to have him!
Bob works hard for his students, and boy does it show! He shares his passion for drama and is instilling young actors and actresses with that same passion.
Bob is a rockstar! He is great with the kids. He participates with the students in their live improv activities. The students really respect him and look for guidance from him.
Bob is one of the hardest working people I know. He spends countless hours working with his students to help them thoroughly understand their craft.
Jeannine Sorensen, Colette Thomas, Kathy Drummond: (Business & Attendance Offices)
Colette grew up right here in Provo, Utah. Her father was the Ag. Teacher at PHS for 29 years. She was hired to be the financial secretary, and didn’t tell her dad; she just showed up for the job and surprised him. Before coming to PHS, Colette worked at BYU in the Scouting Office, at an insurance office, and at Utah Valley hospital in Personnel. She started here work here at Provo High in March of 1982 & has been here ever since. Colette enjoys her job because she gets to work with numbers. She has loved the administrators, teachers, and students she has been able to work with over the years. When she isn’t at work Colette loves to do yard work, travel with her family, holidays, reading, and caring for her 96 year old mother.
Jeannine grew up in Fountain Green, Utah. She moved to Provo with her family when her husband came for his work. Their four children graduated from PHS. Before coming to Provo High Jeannine worked as a waitress at Woolsworths in Salt Lake and drove bus for Alpine School District. She came to PHS first as substitute teacher, then job sharing in the attendance office with her best friend. She has been here for 23 years now and loves the faculty and staff. She will miss the love and friendship found here among the great group of people. When Jeannine isn’t at work she likes to sew (mainly quilting), working with wood, playing with grandkids, traveling, and camping.
Kathy grew up in American Fork, Utah. She raised her family in Provo and all four of her children graduated from PHS. She started work here at Provo High as a substitute teacher in 1993 and liked it so much that she (along with her best friend) decided to apply for the attendance/business office job when it opened up and has been here ever since. She really enjoyed being at PHS when her children were students here because she really got to know the students. She also loves the faculty and staff and hope they enjoy the wonderful opportunity of continuing the great Bulldog tradition at the new school. When Kathy isn’t at work she loves spending time with her grandchildren, attending sporting events (especially football & basketball games), and taking early morning walks on the trail by her home.
Here are a few things colleagues had to say about Colette, Jeannine, & Kathy:
As a longtime coach and teacher, I have had to work with all three of these wonderful ladies over the years. Bottom line, they come through for me every time. Their competence is outstanding.
I really, really….. appreciate their professional support over many years of service as well as their kind and respectful interactions. It will be very hard to see them go.
Colette knows everything!!! Plus she’s always willing to nicely share that knowledge to make us successful :) she is also one of the most precise, thorough people I’ve ever met.
Jeannine is as kind as they come. She is always willing to help with any problems that may occur.
I have never seen anyone count change as fast as Kathy. She is incredibly kind and patient.
Having worked with these three ladies for almost 20 years, I can tell you that they are excellent at providing their services right away. Whenever I’ve needed a check, Colette has had that for me in my box by the next day. Whenever I’ve need a change in attendance for a student, Kathy and Jeannine are right on that. I have always felt supported in my job by all three of them.
Thank you Bob, Colette, Jeannine & Kathy for your contribution to PHS! We are lucky to have you here!!