For 27 years, Wilma Allender treated each child that came into the nurse’s office at Helmsburg Elementary School the same way that she would treat her own children as she cared for them in their times of need.

Allender first entered HES as a student herself then each of her children attended the school through their elementary years.

While her kids were in school, she would volunteer as a parent, reading with students in the classrooms.

In 1995, Allender volunteered in the health office, which turned into a part-time position, then she went full time as the health officer that school year.

“I was very excited and felt positive at the opportunity to work in the health office. I love helping to care for the children in the little Helmsburg area of the county. Many of the parents and grandparents I myself went to school with or had their children through my office and enjoyed them very much,” Allender said.

This year, Allender is retiring, but will continue to provide the same loving care for her children and grandchildren. She also hopes to substitute teach next school year.

Q: Where else have you worked within Brown County Schools? Have you always worked in Brown County? If not, where else and what brought you to Brown County?

A: As a child I was a student at Helmsburg Elementary. While my children were young — Steven in grade six, Clifton in second grade and daughter Rose Allender-Ashmore was not yet in school — I would do some parent volunteering at Helmsburg Elementary, reading with students as they worked very hard to climb those reading levels. Into year 1995 I substituted in the health office at Helmsburg Elementary. Sweet Marilyn Bond was secretary for our school. Having been raised on Oak Ridge Road three houses from the school — and my parents so appreciated Bill and Marilyn Bond — Marilyn asked me if I would like to take the CPR/first aid course and substitute in the health office. I did so and applied for the position the 1995-96 school year, working with Rita Simon, the schools registered nurse. This position offered five hours a day at that time. I also had the opportunity to work with the Brown County Health Support Clinic outreach. My work history has been in Brown County, working at the Nashville House for Andy and Fran Rogers a total of 30 years and the Abe Martin Lodge for a total of 10 years, working evenings and weekends while my children were young.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about retirement? Do you have any big plans?

A: In retirement I plan to care for the grandchildren while also being of support to our son, Clifton, who received a kidney from a transplant in August 2015. Clifton’s body is now trying to reject his kidney. I am planning to let the Lord lead the way in this journey. The only plans I have at this time is to enjoy the summer. I have expressed to our Principal Kelli Bruner and Superintendent Emily Tracy that I would like to make myself available for substituting at HES next school year.

Q: What will you remember most about your position?

A: The best memories are of seeing these little students grow starting in preschool and before you realize it they are in grade five. When they are truly sick, feeling bad or injured it has been always my idea that I would want to include and contact parents and care for them as I would my own. Communicating with parents regarding all needs, vaccinations, medical forms, etc.

Q: How would you describe your time at Brown County Schools?

A: While employed at Helmsburg Elementary for the past 27 years I have totally enjoyed myself. My children and grandchildren were lucky enough to be with me through many of those years, while my friends’ children were attending also.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new health assistant?

A: Advice for our health assistant, I know her, she is a great mother and will give the same kind of great care she gives her own, she will be wonderful at HES.