Hometown Hero Spotlight: Masie Peetoom

This month’s Hometown Hero Spotlight, sponsored by Beth Hiatt, Shelter Insurance is shining on Masie Peetoom at Blackwell High School.

Peetoom is a smiling face that has worn several hats between the Blackwell Middle School and Blackwell High School in her 8 years within the Blackwell Public School system.

“I started working for Blackwell Public Schools in 2016.I started out as the administrative assistant at the middle school, and I was in charge of yearbook and student council. In 2021, I moved to the high school,” she said.

“I am currently the administrative assistant registrar, prom sponsor, co-cheer Coach, attendance secretary, graduation sponsor and I am in charge of our school website.”

“I usually arrive at school between 6:30 and seven because I like to get there early and have everything prepared for when the students start showing up. I have cheer practice that starts at eight then I return back to the office and I will be answering phones and opening doors,” She explained.

“If there are any teachers gone, I will have to find a sub for them. I also prepare any transcripts that students or colleges may need. I assist students, faculty and principals with miscellaneous things when I am needed. I start planning prom in September meet monthly with the junior students to assist them with planning the prom.”

“I try and post to our website and social media daily to keep the community informed of what is going on in our district. I gather information from seniors throughout the year in preparation for graduation.”

Peetoom’s work, she laughed, is never done.

But according to her, it’s all worth it.

“I love getting to know our students and watching them transform into successful adults. I am so blessed to get the opportunity to be a positive impact in the lives of our students. They brighten my life each and every day.”

What makes Peetoom so endearing? Everyone knows her, and from students to parents, faculty and staff, they all love her.

It’s easy, she says.

“I just try to treat people the same way I want to be treated. I sometimes feel like I fall short, but I strive to be better each and every day.”

When she isn’t at the school, Peetoom loves spending time with her family:

“When I’m not spending time at school with students or at sporting events, I’m with my husband, kids and grandkids.”

Peetom has been one of the many Blackwell High School staff to watch the school transform completely in the last few years thanks to the expansive renovation project which has seen the wings, auditorium, football field, and now study center and cafeteria transform for the first time since the 1960s.

“It has been so amazing watching our school transform into the newly renovated building it is now. I have always loved our school, but it is so great to see it get updated. They have done an outstanding job and I love how they have integrated the Maroon Spirit throughout the school.”

The hardest part of Peetoom’s job, she said, was during the Covid pandemic.

“It was heartbreaking, you know? These kids really are my life, and it broke my heart not to be able to see them every day, so I was overjoyed when we got to come back to school. Through the pandemic I worked to deliver meals to our kids, and that was so rewarding.”

“My husband, Travis and I were both born and raised in Blackwell. We also had the privilege of raising our three children here. I attended Blackwell School throughout my life as did my husband and our children. I am proud to be a Maroon! I have always had a passion to work with our youth but never dreamed I would get the opportunity to work in our district. I am so blessed that I get to be a part of the same school system I attended.”