With an office door always open, Mrs. Sally Phillips makes herself available to all students and staff throughout the day. And no matter what time it is, you can almost always find someone in her office asking about a club or just advice about life. As the activities director of the entire school, Mrs. Phillips attends all events and makes a point to ensure all festivities go smoothly. So, even if you haven’t met her, there’s a chance you’ve seen her at your fundraiser, game or dance. Here’s an opportunity to learn what the role actually entails. 

How long have you been the activities director here?

I’ve been the activities director for five years, but I’ve worked in the building for 15 years.

What activities do you specifically oversee?

I am one of the student council sponsors. I also oversee all of the sponsors of all of the extracurriculars. I help them with whatever they need. Whether it be space, money, planning of the events, and just about anything.

Favorite aspect of your job?

I love this job. I think because I get to go see so many kids doing so many different things. I get to go to plays and concerts and fun events where you see kids interacting and having a good time.

What would you say is the hardest part?

The hardest part is trying to get to as many different events as possible. My goal is always to go to as many different activities as possible but getting to all of them is probably the most difficult part, and being able to stay and enjoy those things. Not just show up.

Did you go to a high school with school spirit similar to Central’s?

I went to two different high schools. My freshman year I lived in Kansas and I went to a huge high school that had a lot of school spirit just like we do here and a lot of traditions. I spent the rest of my time in high school at a school in Colorado that was a newer high school and we got to establish a lot of those new traditions. It was smaller than Central but it had a ton of school spirit and a lot of opportunities to get involved. And I loved it; I loved high school.

What is your favorite Central tradition?

My favorite thing here is when we have a pep rally and that gym is packed and it is packed with students and red and there’s so much energy. Right before it starts is my favorite time. It’s stressful but it’s my favorite.

What is the most important part of your job?

I think the most important part of my job is making sure that there is opportunities for all kids and trying to get every kid involved in some sort of thing here. And make sure we have an opportunity for everyone. I know it sounds cliche but I really think that we can get all kids involved in one little thing and if they have a good time and feel connected then I think we’ve done our job.

What does a typical school day look like for you?

It starts off with a club meeting or a meeting with adults about a club and then people just kind of pop in all morning. Then I check in with my assistant Mrs. Mack, go to meetings, approve bills, and meet with kids and adults throughout the day. Normally it ends with going to a club function or meeting and sometimes even coming back even later in the evening for more club functions or meetings. It can also involve some hanging of flyers and taking down old ones. It’s different every day.

What’s been your favorite part of the past school year?

The pack the place pep rally was probably my favorite thing this past year. I think it was fun and it was well run. The kids really owned it; it was really great to see that leadership and see them take charge. I think the student body really enjoyed it a lot too. It was a lot of fun.

What hopes do you have for the coming school year?

I hope we keep some momentum. I hope we keep kids involved because so many are right now and I don’t want to lose that. Just keep providing kids with more and more opportunities. My real goal is to keep seeing kids in red t-shirts all the time. I want it to be a place where kids don’t want to leave.

Do you get the summer off? Do you have any summer plans?

I do get the summer off. I end up really excited to be with my kids and be able to go to their sporting stuff and drive them around and be at the pool with them and our friends. I am taking a group of 24 kids to California for CADA. I’m really excited for that because that’s definitely a highlight. But I’m really excited to be able to be with my family and not have to run back to work.

Final word?

I can’t imagine working anywhere else. It’s crazy at times but I think that’s what I love so much about it.