Shuksan Middle School employee wins state honor for her dedication to students

Theo Mills makes a point of saying "good morning" to Shuksan Middle School students or even just smiling.

"It's important for them to know they're valuable," she said. "I always want kids to know I'm their advocate."

The 13-year employee at Shuksan was named state Classified School Employee of the Year in an awards ceremony May 9.

Mills was one of nine regional finalists for the award. She's an instructional assistant, meaning part of her job is providing extra help to students with homework or studying in the classroom.