Compared to South Eastern Middle School, there are so many different teachers and staff members in the school for the freshmen to get to know. But one staff member who doesn’t get nearly enough credit is Barbara Peterson, as she helps out with so many different extracurriculars on top of her job at Kennard-Dale High School.

Peterson works in the office as an Administrative Assistant to Vice Principal Dr. Peter Fernandez, but along with that, her extracurricular positions include Color Guard Advisor, Senior Class Advisor, Director of Fall and Spring play, along with Musical Director and Choreographer, Drama Club Advisor, and Thespian Society Troupe 4698 Director.

Clearly, Peterson is very involved.

Peterson likes to stay so involved because she “likes to keep busy.” It’s very admirable how she shows up and doesn’t just do her main role, but shows up ready for a long and busy day.

Out of everything she is involved in, the musical, along with the choreography, is her favorite extracurricular.

Peterson added, “I am first and foremost a dancer, and I like to create the choreography and teach it to the students.”

Many people think she just can’t say no to these extracurriculars, but that’s far from the truth.

“Insanity runs in my family,” said Peterson, lightheartedly.

The only time she wished she wasn’t so involved would be when she’s “tired and stressed out.” Peterson says that one of the downsides to being so involved would be that she doesn’t have a lot of time to hang out with her children and her Great Dane, Karma.

During her free time, she likes to watch reality TV and hang out with Karma.

Many people do not know Peterson outside of her main role as an administrative assistant, so they make assumptions based on their experiences in the main office.

“Contrary to popular belief,” said Peterson, “I’m a pretty nice person… I do expect a lot out of my kids, but I think they appreciate that.”

And all of the students in her extracurriculars really do appreciate it.