Melsonby Methodist Primary School has been celebrating 30 years of continuous service to the school by their administrative secretary, Julie Rush.
Key Stage one teacher Katie Smith-Burrows organised a surprise assembly to mark the achievement.
The assembly was attended by past staff members, friends and parents, some of whom had been pupils of Melsonby School themselves and cared for by Miss Rush.
Children gave their own personal thank you addresses for the things Miss Rush has done for them in the past and all she continued to do each day.
They showed portraits they had made of her before singing a song written by Key Stage 2 teacher, Holly Simpson.
The song told of the diversity of tasks Julie performs at school in addition to her administrative duties, including collecting balls accidentally kicked out of the playground.
Tributes to Miss Rush also came from the head teacher Trevor Watson and a representative from Melsonby’s governing body, who spoke of Julie as the engine room of the school and the heart of the school.
Mr Watson added: “Julie is a much loved and cherished member of the Melsonby School team and three decades of staff, parents, carers and pupils are indebted to her for her hard work and dedication.”
