In an office filled with family pictures, the bookkeeper at Meadow View Elementary is tucked away from the front desk.

Being the kind of person she is, Laverne Rikard does not seek the spotlight.

She is a compassionate friend and listener, full of uplifting words and loves deeply (especially “her kids” at Meadow View and her own five grandchildren.)

This is Rikards’ 30th year in the Shelby County School System. Many of you may remember her from Thompson Elementary, where she was secretary and then bookkeeper for 20 years.

She transferred to Meadow View in 2000.

She loves our own South of City Theater and still claims “Steel Magnolias” and “Pretty Woman” as two of her favorite movies.

Rikard is an avid Alabama football fan. She stays busy attending soccer, cheerleading, Girl Scouts; anything in which Rebecca and Sara Bess are involved.

Laverne Rikard has been a behind-the-scenes asset to our school system, a faithful Christian (United Methodist of Helena) and a dedicated friend.

Some of her friends think she just might meet Mr. Perfect on that cruise!

Sandra Thames is a community columnist for Alabaster. She can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.