By Pat Culverhouse

Nina Willis may not consider herself a ground-breaker, but that’s what she’s become in the eyes of the Webster Parish school system.

Willis was recognized Monday during a school board meeting as the first in the parish to receive her degree from Reach University. According to its web site, Reach is a non-profit university “…dedicated to helping working adults earn a set-free degree and reach their full potential.”

Dr. Rebecca Wilson, personnel director for the school district, said Willis received her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in May and is already teaching at a parish school.

“She is at Central Elementary. Mr. (Daniel) Lee, the principal, immediately said, ‘I want her.’” Wilson said.

Lee said he had heard of Willis by reputation through her work as a long-time paraprofessional in the system. He called paras unsung heroes who are often doing the work even though they do not have a degree.

“We’ve been pleased with her at Central. She has a great future ahead of her,” Lee said.

“This is something I’ve always wanted,” Willis said as she was introduced to parish school board members Monday.

Wilson said Willis is a foundation on which the parish will continue to build its grow-our-own program, designed to give paraprofessionals in the system a chance to obtain their degree and enter the classroom as a certified teacher.

“We now have 14 individuals working on their degree and seven more have joined the program,” she said.

Wilson said the system is using the Reach University program as a recruitment tool, and plans to expand the opportunity to substitutes, secretaries, bus drivers and others who may be interested in seeking a degree.

Those who seek a degree through Reach University have their tuition paid by the school system and earn credit for classroom work.