Thompson given nod for work as Person of the Year

Trevis Thompson, head of maintenance at the Cornell School District/ag teacher, was selected this fall, as the 2020 Wisconsin Rural School Support Staff Person of the Year. The award is presented by the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA), a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping address challenges faced by rural school districts.

Thompson has worked for the school district for 13 years, coming back to the district he grew up in. He was nominated for the recognition by high school administrative assistant Andrea Hakes.

“If you envision the type of person you want working for you, Trevis would fit that description,” said Hakes.

Although he has a full plate, Hakes says Thompson will work longer and/or faster to get everything accomplished.

“When you talk to Trevis, you realize he is always looking for better solutions to be more efficient, and do a better job educating students or taking care of the district facilities,” said Hakes. If you ask for help, he will never say no.”

In addition to acting as a great ambassador for the school district, Thompson shares his positive experiences with others in the community and visitors. He also builds relationships with the Board of Education, staff, students and community groups.

Going beyond his normal duties, Thompson helps out local groups in various ways, open up the building on the weekend for students to finish up projects, providing his expertise in technical education classes, working with and teaching students’ skills.

Thompson has also proved he is also a lifelong learner, by going back to school to take classes that will help him in his job, the students and the district, including the recently completed training he did on advanced engineering for the high school’s fab lab.

Thompson gives credit to everyone at the Cornell School District for the recognition, saying it’s a family-type atmosphere that makes everyone want to help each other. Especially this year, with all that has gone, it has been all hands on deck, which Thompson is happy to see.

Although he says he is very honored to receive the award, Thompson says it is a group effort.

“I think it’s more of a culture at the school and how we help each other.

Cutline: Trevis Thompson, Cornell School District, was awarded the 2020 Wisconsin Rural School Support Staff Person of the Year this fall, from the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA). Kim Kaukl, WiRSA, presented Thompson with a plaque and Thompson will attend as a special guest, for recognition at next year’s annual convention.