By Emma Stone
This past Monday marked Rachel’s Day.
It’s a day dedicated to Rachel Huckaby, an important member of the Cedar Creek family.
After graduating from Ruston High School in 2013, Rachel first started out by making copies for teachers as well as helping the Pre-K and Kindergarten students in the lunchroom.
Despite being autistic, Rachel has thrived in her role at Cedar Creek as Covid Monitor.
During COVID-19, Rachel took on the role and planned routes through the day to sanitize heavy touch points all over campus.
Beckie Huckaby, Rachel’s mother, spoke about the importance of this job for Rachel.
“Because of her autism, my husband and I worried she would struggle to find her niche in life,” said Huckaby, “But this job was tailor-maid for her.”
Last year, The Kindness Club at Cedar Creek created Rachel’s Day to honor her during Autism Acceptance Month.
Kasey Stringer, Director of Marketing and Communications as well as The Kindness Club Sponsor, commented about The Kindness Club’s reason to create the day for Rachel.
“The kids see her reaction to kindness and being included, which, then, builds empathy and compassion,” said Stringer. “She is one of the kindest faculty we have on staff, and we are so lucky to have her.”
This year for Rachel’s Day, everyone wore Disney shirts, one of Rachel’s favorites.
“Cedar Creek is a great place to work because these people are very friendly and kind,” said Rachel.
Even to Rachel’s mother, she felt the staff to be inclusive and fortunate enough to work close along with her daughter.
“Cedar Creek has always felt like a family,” said Huckaby. “Today proves it.”
“It is a bit overwhelming in a good sort of way,” said Rachel, “I feel happy because I share my happiness with Cedar Creek.”
In the future, the Kindness Club has been learning to be kind to those who may be different than us whether it may be religion, race, those living with a particular health condition or disability.
