Faulkner Lifestyle Magazine October 2018

St. Joseph School
Tamara McMillan
St. Joseph Elementary - 2nd Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up and get your education?
I grew up in Hunter, Kansas and got my education at Kansas
State University-Manhattan, KS.
What inspired you to go into your line of work?
I’m in the business of forming kids to be the best they can be
and make a difference in the world.
What do you love most about working/living here?
I love living in Faulkner County because the towns are not too
large but offer everything we need. I love working at St. Joseph
because we have smaller class sizes, wonderful teachers and
staff to work with, sweet children, and supportive parents.
To what do you attribute your success?
My success in the classroom is due to hard work, patience, and
love for the students.
Do you have hobbies you want to share?
I enjoy going to flea markets and vintage fairs. I love to look for
pieces that seem to have a story to tell. I would much rather
have something a little old/well loved than something brand
new and modern. Although, I do appreciate modern technology!
How are you involved in your community?
I’m very active in my church, Oak Bowery Baptist Church. My
husband and I also have a prison ministry that we enjoy and find
very rewarding. We go to both men’s and women’s jails/prisons.
What does the future hold for you here?
Our future in Faulkner County—I plan on continuing to teach
for a few more years. After retiring my husband and I plan
on continuing with our prison ministry, Lord willing. We will
enjoy spending even more time with
family and friends. Perhaps travel
might even fit in there somewhere.
2018
WOMEN of
THE YEAR
Penny Bassham
High School Art Teacher at St. Joseph School
Where did you grow up and get your education?
My earliest years were spent in Blue Springs, Missouri. When I was
9 years old we moved to Salem, Arkansas, where I graduated from
high school. The following two years were spent at Crowley’s Ridge
College in Paragould. I continued my education at UCA.
What brought you to Faulkner County?
I moved to Conway because I wanted to teach and UCA was
considered to have the best education programs in Arkansas.
What inspired you to go into your line of work?
In 5th grade I noticed how much influence teachers have on their
students, and how fulfilling it must be to guide future generations.
What do you love most about working/living here?
When I was young my hometown shut down after 5pm, with the
exception of a few businesses, but here there is always something
to do, like going to a play, a restaurant, shopping or fishing. The
people here are friendly, and if you want to socialize there are
many different groups and organizations to join.
To what do you attribute your success?
I love art and working with kids, so teaching and sharing what I
know about art is wonderful.
Any hobbies you want to share?
I love drawing floor plans for houses and looking at architecture
magazines. I like to travel and have been to Italy, France, Greece
and a few other places. It’s exciting going someplace to see the
architecture, artwork and places you have studied about.
How are you involved in your community?
I face paint for different organizations/events
like Kids Fest St. Joseph Bazar and a few
others. I volunteer for Art Fest, and every
other year our school art program has a
fundraiser event called ARTragin Cajun.
Any professional organizations?
Member of the National Art Educators
Association and Arkansas Art Educators,
and served as the AAE Newsletter
Editor for 2 years and then AAE
Regional Director for 4 years.
Last year I was involved with
CAFTA (Conway Alliance
for the Arts).
Any advice for someone
just starting out?
Find a career that fills
more than your wallet,
find friends that fill more
than space and time in
your life, and make time
to play and create.
faulknerlifestyle.com 49