For nearly three decades, the name Lori Crow has been synonymous with Meridian schools. As the district’s bookkeeper for 27 years, she has handled the finances that keep classrooms running and programs supported, all while raising her own family in the district she calls home. Her story is one of deep roots, steady commitment, and the kind of faithful service that shapes a school’s culture quietly but powerfully.

Lori’s connection to Meridian began long before her first day on the job. She attended the school herself from kindergarten through graduation, and her ties only deepened from there. “Both of my children graduated from Meridian, and now all of my grandchildren go here,” she explained with pride. With four generations of her family walking the same halls, her identity and the school’s history are intertwined.

Family connections run wide for Lori. Her two sons, Tanner and Blaine, both graduated from Meridian. Tanner is now married to Brittany, the school’s elementary secretary, while Blaine is father to Kayden and Chloe Waller, current Meridian students. “We’re a whole family of Meridian,” Lori said, smiling at the thought of how her family tree keeps sprouting new links to the school. Even extended family ties run deep: Lori’s uncle, Eddie Britton, once served as the elementary principal, and her sister now directs the school’s CNA program. Her husband Steve, who moved to the area as a child, also graduated from Meridian, reinforcing the tradition.

Her career path was shaped early on. After graduating from Meridian, Lori married that August and went to work at the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk’s office. She spent ten years there, learning bookkeeping and handling financial records. The work prepared her well for the opportunity that came when Meridian needed a bookkeeper. “I jumped on it,” she recalled. “My kids were coming to Meridian, and it was best for me to be where they were at.” She’s been in the role ever since.

The position may not be the most visible in the district, but Lori has always taken pride in her work. “I hated math in school,” she admitted with a laugh, “and that’s what I’ve done all my life—math.” She has never regretted it. “I’ve always liked my job,” she said.

For years, she worked inside the school buildings, close enough to see her children in the hallways and to be called upon if her grandchildren needed something. That closeness wasn’t always appreciated by her kids. “My oldest son would see me in the hallway and act like he didn’t know who I was,” she remembered. “My youngest acknowledged me all the time—usually because he wanted food.” Her grandchildren, though, have embraced having her nearby.

Looking back on her years at Meridian, Lori describes the school as “family, pride, and honor.” Family, because generations of students, staff, and administrators have become part of her circle. Pride, because she takes seriously the responsibility of supporting the students and staff. And honor, because she considers it a privilege to serve. “Even as a bookkeeper, my role is not with children, but I support these kids 100%. I support our staff 100%. Because if we don’t have students and we don’t have parents that help their students, nothing will ever be connected and nothing will ever work,” she said.

She has seen Meridian weather challenges, from facility changes to shifting staff, but her focus has always remained on the students. She believes strongly in the power of connections—between administrators, teachers, parents, and students. “Everybody has to work together,” she emphasized. “Instead of fighting every single thing that somebody may think is right or wrong, sit down and work it out together so you do have a connection instead of a disconnection.”

Her dreams for her grandchildren are simple but strong: a good education, college opportunities, and a chance to see more of the world. “Do what I didn’t do. Experience life. Experience different parts of life. Don’t get stuck in this county,” she said. Yet she also acknowledges the blessing of having her family close. Both of her sons live on the same road she does, and she sees her grandchildren daily. “I’m very blessed,” she said. “That’s amazing too.”

Now, after decades of service, Lori has begun to think about retirement. “In November of 2028, I will be retiring,” she shared. “That is my plan. But who knows?” For someone who has given so much of her life to the school, it’s hard to imagine Meridian without her steady presence.