Oliver named Staff Member of the Year at Discovery

Sheila Oliver, center, is congratulated as Staff Member of the Year by Discovery principal Melanie Barkley and superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Sheila Oliver finds that the ability to help others is the most rewarding aspect of her job. Her colleagues at Discovery Middle School elected Oliver as Staff Member of the Year.

Oliver works as computer technician at Discovery. “I repair and image the computers, as well as maintain all other technology items at Discovery,” she said. “I work more in the background.”

In addition, Oliver assists with any needs that students and teachers have with software.

“I guide them on how to use the programs, when needed. If there are any special events, such as live broadcasts or Internet-based meetings (like Google+ Hangout or Skype), I set those up for students and teachers,” she said.

Oliver was pleased with a new group, the Student Technology Assistant Team (STAT), founded at Discovery this year. Two outstanding students were chosen to assist with any needs related to technology that a teacher might have.

“STAT students created instructional files for teacher and student use and were a great asset to Discovery,” Oliver said.

Oliver declined to single out one particular student or teacher who has impressed her. “There are so many students and teachers that come to mind I could not name them all. All with great hearts. Special people that make a difference in the lives of many every day,” she said.

Oliver earned a bachelor’s degree in administrative advertising and journalism at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

For just more than seven years, Oliver has worked for Madison City Schools. She previously worked as technician at Columbia and Heritage elementary schools.

Her husband Tracy Oliver is an instructor at the FBI Hazardous Devices School on Redstone Arsenal.

“I have two children, Kelsey Oliver and Michaela Oliver. Kelsey is a student at Calhoun Community College. Michaela is an upcoming eighth-grader at Discovery,” she said.