What is a WaveMaker? Someone that incites action or activity.
Elementary School
Jessie English
Bookkeeper
I'm a WaveMaker because...
Jessie is a true team player whose presence makes a meaningful difference every single day. She brings a wonderful balance of warmth, professionalism, and positivity to our school, creating an environment where people feel supported, welcomed, and cared for. Jessie is always happily willing to step in wherever she is needed, whether or not it falls within her job responsibilities, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure things run smoothly. From receipting and bookkeepers’ tasks to pizza days and birthday ice cream celebrations, she handles every detail with care and excellence.
Jessie adds genuine joy to the office, along with plenty of laughter, and her calm, easy-going nature puts everyone at ease. At the same time, her strong sense of responsibility and dedication to doing things well make her a true WaveMaker. She works efficiently, follows through on every task, and approaches challenges with perseverance, a positive attitude, and a sincere willingness to learn. Over the past year, Jessie has grown tremendously in her role while building strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff, and parents. Throughout each day, she ensures all bookkeepers’ tasks are completed and takes time to answer staff questions with patience, kindness, and a servant’s heart. She also supports parents with payments throughout the year, always offering an upbeat spirit and a welcoming smile. Jessie’s impact reaches far beyond her role; she is truly a WaveMaker for our entire school community.
~Nominated by GSES Admin Team~
Middle School
Larry Shoemaker
PTI/Interventionist
I'm a WaveMaker because...
Our two part-time instructors/interventionists, Coach Larry Shoemaker and Mrs. Christy Mims, exemplify what it means to be Wave Makers at Gulf Shores Middle School. They are consistently flexible in day-to-day planning to meet the evolving needs of our school and students and never hesitate to step in wherever support is needed.
They go beyond their assigned roles by checking in on students’ academic, emotional, and social well-being and by providing support to any student who needs it. Whether covering break duties, assisting with state and benchmark testing, or saying “yes” to whatever the day brings, they demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence and service.
Their dedication, positivity, and willingness to go the extra mile make a lasting impact on our school community and instill pride in our school. Thank you, Coach Shoemaker and Mrs. Mims!
~Nominated by Kelly Green~
Christy Mims
PTI/Interventionist
High School
Shirley Lowe
Student Services
I'm a WaveMaker because...
It is an honor and a privilege to nominate Shirley Lowe as a WaveMaker. There is not a single day that goes by when she is not talking with, worrying about, or working alongside a student who is struggling to complete their work. She is a vital part of our Special Education Department and consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and teachers by communicating about missing work and academic needs.
Students affectionately refer to her as “Mama Lowe,” a true reflection of the care, compassion, and trust she builds with them. We genuinely cannot think of a student who does not have a strong, positive relationship with her. Shirley is always willing to go the extra mile; whether that means making sure a student has a snack when they’re hungry, offering a shoulder to cry on, or simply being someone who listens.
Shirley Lowe is truly a WaveMaker.
~Nominated by Zach Goff & Brian Parrish~
