Special to the Times
A native of Union County, who has served Lake Butler Middle School for the past 12 years in positions ranging from substitute teacher to her current job as school secretary, but mostly as coordinator of whatever it takes to get the job done.
Minnie Broughton has dedicated her life to assisting others. She volunteered in classrooms as her own children grew up, helping students, teachers, staff and parents with the many “whatever tasks” necessary to make things happen as they should.
Broughton graduated from Union County High School. She began volunteering at LBMS in the Spring of 2010. She served as an attendance clerk for eight years then was asked to become a paraprofessional. She attended Florida Gateway College, where she earned her AA degree in General Education. After achieving her paraprofessional status, she has been school secretary for two years.
Broughton said, “I believe it is a calling, a mission field. Kids need love and understanding. The ones that misbehave need love the most. I thought about teaching but figured the Lord has put me where he wants me, helping students, teachers, staff and parents.”
When selected as the School Related Employee for 2021, she said that she was “surprised, but felt honored to be chosen.”
December will bring the 25th anniversary of her marriage to her high school sweetheart and she said it still feels like he is. She enjoys family outings with her son, 22, and daughter, 19. They enjoy activities at the lake, as well as going to theme parks, riding four-wheelers and other outdoor fun. An active member of Smyrna Baptist Church in Starke, she said that she loved the Lord and tries to share this unconditional love with the faculty, staff and students.
