Spencer Duncan
SJHS Staff Writer

Mrs. Janine Murdock is the finance secretary at Springville Junior High.  Mrs. Murdock’s job is to handle the school’s finances and to find substitutes for the teachers.  Mrs. Murdock’s busiest days are getting 900 students registered for school in the fall and collecting end of year fines in May so everyone can get their yearbooks.  Mrs. Brenda Bales, the attendance secretary at SJHS, said another way Mrs. Murdock helps the school is, “She’s a great friend to all the teachers, new and old.”

Mrs. Murdock started working here at SJHS in 1989.  She started as a skill building supervisor with Mrs. Joye Wimmer, tardy secretary at SJHS.  Mrs. Wimmer has been working with Mrs. Murdock for “many years.”  Mrs. Bales has been working with Mrs. Murdock for 15 years.  After working in skill building, Mrs. Murdock spent five years as the attendance secretary.  After she was the attendance secretary she was the counseling secretary for another five years before moving into the front office to handle the finances.  According to Mrs. Murdock, she has worked for five principals at SJHS since starting in 1989.

Mrs. Murdock said, “I actually attended Springville Junior High seventh through ninth grade, many years ago. Mr. Steve Robbins was one of my classmates.”  Mrs. Murdock also said, “Our lunchroom was downstairs in the area where the art room is.  Before the school was remodeled the front office was a large concrete staircase leading up to the front doors.”  Mrs. Murdock has a lot of history with SJHS.

“I love my job and the students and staff I am able to work with,” said Mrs. Murdock.  According to her, this is sometimes like her home away from home.

Springville Citizens always celebrate Thanksgiving traditions because they love them. On Thanksgiving, they eat turkey, say what they’re grateful for, participate in a soup kitchen and many other traditions as well.

Family traditions are very common and important among families in Springville. “When we eat, we talk about what’s going on in our lives and some of the things we are grateful for,” says SJHS teacher, Elizabeth Bass. “Thanksgiving and spending time with those you love is really important, and you should always treat every day like Thanksgiving and think about what you’re thankful for. It makes you in a better attitude and have a happier life,” says Nicole James, a SJHS student.

Many people and families also enjoy going to soup kitchens, and other acts of service. “One of my traditions is sending a box of food to the soup kitchen and feeling thankfulness in the air,” says SJHS faculty member, Joye Wimmer.

Some of the common traditions are having a feast with turkey, and watching football on TV, and so is telling everyone what you are grateful for. “My wife hangs up a ‘what-we’re-grateful-for’ poster, and everyone that passes by can write on it the things for which they are thankful,” said Assistant Principal Mark Bake.

“On Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on all the blessings that I have in my life. For example, that we have food to eat and a warm home to live in, a healthy family and being close to them,” said Toneta Holmes, faculty member at SJHS. “It’s great to be able to celebrate with friends and family,” said Maddy Fry, SJHS student. Whatever your traditions are, make sure that you spend time with those you love and remember what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving!