Margaret McLaughlin 'exemplifies patience'

Margaret McLaughlin, who was nominated and chosen as someone who emulates patience, the character word of the month for June, takes a moment to enjoy the shade after discussing her career and what patience means to her.

As anyone with children can attest, patience is a virtue. Now imagine working with children every day of your professional life and you can get an idea of the kind of patience that Margaret McLaughlin has. That's part of the reason Denise Nelson nominated her to represent the character word of the month for June, "She exemplifies patience by working with students on a daily basis," according to Nelson.

McLaughlin has been a social worker "advocating for children and families" for her entire 40 year career, the last 11 of those for the Nevada R-5 School District. McLaughlin said she has enjoyed a career working with children, especially the ones "that fall between the cracks" in the system.

In her professional capacity at the school, McLaughlin served largely as a counselor, but she also helped students with special needs and did observational work in the classroom to assist in developing behavioral plans. She said she will miss the students. "They're so funny, so kind, so smart," she said, "and some of the things they have to put up with; they're amazing."

Nelson said that McLaughlin "has a quiet and calm demeanor and speaks softly with children." McLaughlin said that she may have gotten some of her patience from her mother who always told her to 'love the unlovable.'" She said that "hopefully I've had a good impact teaching kindness -- patience."

McLaughlin's husband Jim, a retired social worker, says he can see her mother's influence "in what she does and the way she is." The couple has always tried to keep their professional life separate from their personal life. Now that she is retired, McLaughlin has no definite plans. She says she may do some "short trip" traveling, but will mostly enjoy just having time to "do whatever I want to do."

A new word and individual will be chosen for July and anyone in Vernon County can nominate a person they think emulates that word.

The guidelines are that the candidate must reside in Vernon County and the individual may be of any age. Those wishing to nominate someone should complete a nomination form by writing why they believe the nominee is a good role model and use specific examples of how the person exhibits the character word of the month. From these nominations, citizens living in different areas of Vernon County will choose one of the applicants.

Patriotism is the word of the month for July and nomination forms for the month of July and each month thereafter must be returned by the 15th of the preceding month. More information on the Word of the Month and nomination forms can be obtained online at http://vernoncounty.hpage.com/. Forms will soon be available on the VCYTF Facebook page and at area businesses. Mail or drop off completed forms at 300 West Cherry Street, Nevada, MO 64772. Forms also can be obtained or turned in by contacting Michelle Lockard at the Division of Social Services at mlockard128@hotmail.com.