VIDEO: School Worker of the Year - Ann Luke
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The 70-year-old Little Hallingbury stalwart said: "My heart is beating so fast! I’m very honoured, but also very humbled. I’m not the sort of person who likes to be in the limelight."
However the judges decided her sterling work, nurturing the village’s tots for almost 40 years deserved acclaim and she was rewarded with vouchers by sponsor Van Hage, so she can splash out at their Great Amwell garden centre.
Her three thrilled daughters, Nicky, Debbie and Sarah, were on hand to share her success, but sadly husband Peter died 18 months ago of a condition linked to motor neurone disease.
Ann said: "I love my playgroup and since Pete died, it has been a reason to get up in the morning – and I shall carry on doing it for as long as I can."
High-commended in the school category was Angela Johnston, the director of maths and ICT at St Mary’s High School in Cheshunt.
She impressed the judges with her unstinting pastoral care and dedication. Above and beyond the call of duty, she comforted pupils after the death of 12-year-old Holly Calenti, last year’s Most Courageous Child, in March and again when colleague and IT network manager Kevin Hill passed away.
