Making Connections Monday: Meet Corina Winchell, The AES Frontline #BISDwired #IChooseBrenham @AltonElementary

If you have ever walked into the front office at Alton Elementary School you were likely greeted by Corina Winchell and Gail Seilheimer, the “AES Frontline.” These ladies greet every visitor with a smile and help with everything from tying shoes and reading books to running copies and making announcements. Gail and Corina are the heart of the AES office and make it their job to help every visitor feel at home.

Corina began her involvement at Alton Elementary School as a parent when both of her sons attended school at the old AES campus. “Cameron really blossomed at Alton,” she said. In 2008, Corina began a career at AES as Campus Secretary. Since then, she has become an essential member of the front office and a beloved friend and colleague to many. Toni Schwartz, AES Assistant Principal, describes Corina as “a woman of great faith that shows in everything she does and a true go-getter who is constantly doing things for others.”

Corina approaches each day as a gift and leads a life built on faith. When Corina’s son, Cameron, was hospitalized, her faith and her Alton family helped her survive. She recalled how Brenham ISD and the Brenham community rallied around her and how people she didn’t even know would approach her to say “we’re praying for you at church.” Corina describes Alton as a spiritual campus full of warmth and love and staff members who embrace each other when times are tough. She said “I love coming to work every day. The students, faculty, and administrators believe in me and they know what I can do.” Corina continued to work from her son’s hospital room answering emails and text messages, never wanting to let anyone down. Toni Schwartz remarked, “AES is so blessed to have her!”

Corina is full of joy and love and has a heart for others, but is quick to give credit to those around her. She is humble and gracious and courageous. When asked about her motivation for approaching life with such positivity and tenacity, she said through tears, “My gift is as a servant and I don’t want to waste that gift from God.”