Ayer Elementary School Resource Lab Aide is First to Greet Students

Marla LaBorde has been a district employee for 17 years and a resource lab aide at Ayer Elementary School for six years. Her work, however, goes far beyond her paid duties because of her dedication to the students and staff at Ayer. She was a 2016 Excellence in Education finalist, and is beloved by students. "Ayers students know that they can always go to her," said Heather Reynolds, office assistant.

What is the best part about your job? The children. They make my day. The other day we were giving away gift cards for clothing and when I called the student up to explain to her what she was getting she gave me the biggest hug ever. That's why I love my job so much.

What are your goals as you go to work every day? My goals are always trying to make sure I helped out in some way to make someone's life easier for them.

What's the funniest thing a student ever said to you? I asked one of my little friends, how was your weekend? She said very boring. I said why? She said because all we did was visit old people all day long.

What is one thing most people do not know about you? I am a big snowman collector. I have over 135 of them.

If you could choose any profession, what would you choose? I would have been a teacher.

What's your dream vacation? Take a cruise to Alaska.