Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/133183
up close CHERYL VLAZNEY Position and years at Latin: Lower school receptionist, 19 years. What brought you to Latin? I always loved kids. When my friend Terry Walburn, the upper school receptionist, told me about the job, I knew it was something that I could enjoy doing. What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird – it's been my favorite ever since I was a child. What quality do you admire most in others? Honesty. If you are telling the truth – no matter how good, bad or difficult – it's going to be okay. What do you treasure most in your life? My family – especially my two grandchildren. What are your favorite things about the lower school? Watching the children as they grow. When they start in junior kindergarten, they are too small to see over the ledge of the reception area. With each year they get bigger and they can see a little bit more. I think they are always surprised and delighted when they can suddenly see over the ledge and into my office. What makes you good at your job? (Editor's Note: After Vlazney expressed reluctance about answering this question, a number of lower school faculty and staff chimed in.) "Cheryl treats everyone who comes through the lower school doors like her family. She cares for the kids like they are her own . . . although she steers clear of blood or vomit." "Cheryl is always cool under fire. No matter how rude or outlandish the request, she will handle it with grace and a smile." "Cheryl is great at telling people what they need to do in the sweetest possible way." "She has an amazing ability to remember names. Any time we are in doubt about a parent's or kid's name, we just ask Cheryl." What is the worst part of your job? I hate talking about myself – so probably this experience. Beyond that: Assembly mornings. What words/phrases do you most overuse? Good morning and good afternoon. (Editors Note: Vlazney is famous for using both greetings interchangeably no matter what time of day.) What did you want to be growing up? A flight attendant, but I think at some point I found out that I was too short.