Kerry Glenn's voice breaks slightly as she talks about Unity Point School. "I love this place," she says simply. "It is my home away from home."

For 27 years, Glenn has been a fixture at Unity Point, serving in seven different positions and becoming what Superintendent Dr. Lori James-Gross calls "the person who does it all"—though Glenn herself modestly prefers the title "silent leader."

Glenn's journey at Unity Point began in 1998 when, fresh from earning her elementary education degree at SIU, she planned to teach for just three years before returning to her hometown of Lawrenceville, IL. Almost three decades later, she's still here, having served as a Title 1 reading teacher, fourth-grade teacher, fifth-grade teacher, sixth-grade teacher, and for four years, part of the administrative team.

"I chose to go back into the classroom," Glenn says of her return to teaching after her administrative stint. Today, she teaches fifth and sixth-grade math, enjoying the benefits of "looping" with her students. "I have my fifth graders for two years. I know how far we need to get in the math curriculum, where we stopped, who struggles with what."

But Glenn's contributions extend far beyond her classroom walls. Since COVID-19, she has almost single-handedly kept the school's Booster Club running—an essential organization that supports not just athletics but also fine arts, music, and drama.

"We want the coach to do what they want to do with the kids," Glenn explains. "We want the kids to know that we support them in whatever they choose to go into."

The Booster Club raises between $7,000-$10,000 annually through fundraisers, membership fees, and concession stand sales. These funds provide uniforms for sports teams, equipment for the music program, supplies for art classes, and even ukuleles for every student in the music class.

While many schools charge "pay to play" fees, Unity Point does not—thanks largely to the Booster Club. The organization also covers entry fees for band and choir competitions, provides scholarships for students who cannot afford team equipment, and hosts an annual awards banquet celebrating all participants.

Glenn took over leadership of the Booster Club during the pandemic when parent participation dropped dramatically. She continues to organize monthly meetings, run the concession stand, coordinate the uniform rotation, and ensure that every eighth-grade athlete receives recognition at their final home game.

"Some of these kids will leave Unity Point and go to the High School and not be on a sports team again," Glenn notes. "The experiences that we can provide for them here are so important. I don't want to see it fail because parents are unable to assist financially."

Despite offers to work elsewhere throughout her career, Glenn has remained dedicated to Unity Point. "I've had those opportunities, but I choose to stay here because of the people and the programs we can offer here," she says.

Her commitment extends to all aspects of school life. She has coached softball and cheerleading, run summer school for three years, and seeks to be a "fixer" wherever needed. "If I see something wrong, I want to help fix it," she explains.

Glenn doesn't seek recognition for her efforts. In fact, she finds it uncomfortable. "I would much rather stay on a wall and let it happen," she says. "I don't need that recognition."

What she does need are more hands to help with the work, particularly with the Booster Club. As her longtime treasurer prepares to leave when her daughter graduates eighth grade, Glenn faces yet another challenge in keeping this vital program running.

Yet her belief in what Unity Point offers students keeps her going. After 27 years, Kerry Glenn remains deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to discover their talents and be part of something special—whether on the court, on stage, or in the art room.