Written by Jo Wilson, Vice President, Baringa State Secondary College
Our fabulous Karen is our tuckshop convenor. She is community with a capital C. Karen goes above and beyond to ensure our café (tuckshop) runs smoothly.
The café is named ‘Wunya Café’ (Wunya = welcome). Karen is exactly that, her welcoming smile and inclusivity with students and staff has been a large part of the success of our growing school.
Additionally, as a proud parent of her teenage children that attend our college, she volunteers her time outside working hours supporting our various fundraisers.
The students at our college are in love with Karen’s baking. Her cookies are a food staple at Baringa State Secondary College. Students are regularly seen getting their cookie fix from the cafe.
As a parent and member of the P&C, my favourite baking would have to be the caramel slice that has been one of many crowd favourites baked personally by Karen at many P&C fundraisers in the past four years. I want the recipe, but my hips do not need the recipe!
The school menu is more than ordinary by far. The students (and staff) have a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and toasties. Our healthier options Karen provides are Sushi, Steamed Dim Sims, Fresh Wraps – Ham, Salad, Chicken, Cheese (various combinations). And there is always something new Karen is trying out. Additionally, over-the-counter snacks are also popular with everyone.
Obviously, I could continue about the food, but I would like to also acknowledge the person Karen is. The relationship she has with the students is purely because of how she treats them. Many have known Karen from her previous life as an employee at our local primary school. So, some students have known Karen for a very long time. As each Year 7 cohort arrive at our college, the students are very excited to see a familiar face from their primary years.
The name Karen Hoult is a familiar name within the Aura community. Whether you are a parent, business owner, or student from our local Primary or Secondary College. Her name, her smile, her compassion towards our families and beyond is how Karen wakes up and lives each day.
We all love Karen, and if you met her, spent time with her, you would soon feel the same way.
