Alana Fountain is currently the attendance secretary in the West office at Hickman High School. Fountain grew up in Mexico, Missouri. She attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. She is currently enrolled in Missouri Valley’s online masters program, where she is taking educational leadership classes.
Alana said, “Hopefully next year, going into 23’ 24, [I] hope to be in the classroom”.
Her plan is to start out as a permanent sub where she can gain experience and find out which subjects she enjoys teaching the most.
“Everyday is a challenge,” Fountain said. “You have to kind of go in with knowing every day can be different.”
The most challenging thing about Fountain’s job is establishing meaningful relationships with students. No two students are alike at Hickman. As a secretary, it is important that she knows how to connect with students from all different types of backgrounds and lifestyles.
“You have to learn what kind of triggers students, how students are kind of coming in and what they’re kind of dealing with on a personal level,” Fountain said, but she enjoys the challenge of helping the next generation
When asked why she chose a career in education and what motivated her, Fountain said, “I think it’s just a natural ability of mine. My mom especially, always was a volunteer of some sort.”
Fountain’s mom volunteered at her local food pantry. Fountain attributes her natural ability to connect with people and give back to the community to her mom.
Fountain reflected on her career and said she noticed a shift in maturity.
“As freshmen they’re a little more immature,” Fountain said. “Then as the students kind of go into their sophomore [and] junior year, I tend to see their maturity levels go up.”
Fountain enjoys her job.
“Everyday brings smiles on the job,” Fountain said.
Greg Croll, a PE teacher at Hickman, admires Fountain.
“Ms. Fountain is constantly trying to better the community here at Hickman High School, whether its students, teachers, or admin–the common denominators are effort & assistance,” Croll said.