Laura Fennell was recently named this year’s Friend of Education by the Marshall Education Association. Fennell works in the Student Services office at Marshall Middle School.

MARSHALL — Over the past couple of years, Laura Fennell has become a familiar person for many students at Marshall Middle School. She can usually be found in the MMS Student Services office, and Fennell said it’s an important place to be to help support the students.

“It’s good to have a friendly face,” she said.

This spring, members of the Marshall Education Association recognized Fennell with the Friend of Education award. The annual recognition is given to a person from the Marshall area, community or schools who goes above and beyond in giving their time, resources or talents.

The MEA received a record number of nominations for Friend of Education this year, with a total of nine nominees, said MEA president Stef Scarset.

Fennell said the recognition came as a surprise for her.

“I was definitely shocked, especially as it’s just my second year being here,” she said.

Fennell and her family have lived in Marshall since 2008. Fennell managed Shopko Optical in Marshall, before coming to MMS. With three children in school, the work hours and schedule of the Student Services position were a great fit for her, she said.

Working in Student Services means helping out with a variety of issues affecting students, Fennell said.

“It’s an array of things,” she said, from class schedules to attendance. She’s also there for students who are just having a hard day.

“If kids need breaks, they can come in and sit down,” she said. “We have ones who will pop in and just say hi.”

In nominations, MEA members said Fennell stood out for both her work ethic and for being a supportive person for MMS students and staff.

“She consistently exceeds expectations, taking on multiple personalities with a cheerful and encouraging attitude,” MEA members said.

Fennell said there have been a lot of positive things about her job at MMS, from the staff to the students, and the variety of the work.

“I feel like every day is different,” she said. “It keeps you on your toes.”

She’s also enjoyed getting to know the students at MMS over the past two years. “I’m going to miss all the eighth graders that will be moving on,” Fennell said.

Being able to be a positive presence in the office is something that Fennell said is important to her.

“You never know what someone is going through, whether it’s a teacher or a student,” she said. “Having that friendly face there is what’s important, so people feel like they can come to you.”