During a recent tour of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Secretary of the Army John McHugh, requested a visit to Hillside Elementary School - much to the surprise of school secretary Pam Jones. Jones was busily working in the office when members of the Secret Service notified her of McHugh's arrival and requested a tour of the facility. Jones happily obliged and took McHugh and a small group of JBLM officials on a tour of the building, answering questions and providing information.

Denis Senftner, deputy director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, was so impressed by Jones that he returned to the school the next day to give her a JBLM MWR coin and certificate of appreciation. The surprise recognition took place in the Hillside main office. Also present were Debbie LeBeau, superintendent of Clover Park School District; Jim Paxinos, assistant superintendent of elementary schools and David Young, principal of Hillside.

"Pam‘s professionalism, expertise and knowledge of Hillside were very evident during the tour and while answering questions," said Senftner. "She contributed greatly to the success of our impromptu visit."

"Pam's quick and thoughtful actions highlight how indispensable and knowledgeable our school secretaries are," said LeBeau. "I appreciate Pam's hard work and dedication to Clover Park School District and the families of Hillside and JBLM."

Several local and national dignitaries have recently visited Hillside to continue discussions around current school facility structural needs on JBLM.