For many students, the attendance office is the first stop of the day — whether they’re checking in late, signing out early or simply being greeted with a familiar smile. Behind that desk are two people who do far more than track absences: Nadia Sinkola and Shani Miller.
Nadia Sinkola has worked at Liberty High School for ten years and has served as an attendance lady for the past five. Before coming to Liberty, she worked at a YMCA preschool, where her love for working with kids began. That passion has only grown over time.
Sinkola shared that one of her favorite parts of the job is getting to know students personally.
“I love their energy and enthusiasm for life,” she said.
Outside of school, Sinkola is a mother of three and a military veteran, having served four years in the airforce. She credits prayer as something that helps guide her through each day and says the students themselves help create a positive environment.
“The students create a friendly, welcoming and encouraging atmosphere,” Sinkola said.
When asked what advice she would give to students, Sinkola offered words of encouragement for those who may feel hesitant to put themselves out there.
“For those who are shy and introverted, take a risk and step out of your comfort zone,” she said. “Encourage someone every day & share a smile with them — you never know what someone’s going through.”
Working alongside Sinkola is Shani Miller, who has been an attendance lady for 14 years and has spent nine of those at Liberty. Before working in attendance, Miller taught dance at a studio and has been a dance instructor for an impressive 35 years. She is also a mother of four.
Miller said her favorite part of the job is watching students grow over time.
“I love getting to know the students and their interests,” she said. “I enjoy watching them grow from freshmen to seniors and seeing how they change.”
You can often find Miller attending school events — from sports games and plays to dance concerts — supporting students beyond the attendance office. She values the relationships she builds not only with students, but also with parents.
While she admits she struggles with timeliness outside of work, Miller jokes that she’s always on time for her job. And on tougher days, she relies on two essentials: prayer and Diet Pepsi.
Miller’s advice to students centers around mindfulness and growth.
“Be present for every moment that you are in contact with others,” she said. “Be in the moment — you’ll always learn.”
Together, Sinkola and Miller bring warmth, encouragement and consistency to Liberty’s attendance office. Though their roles may seem routine, their impact reaches far beyond paperwork — helping make Liberty a place where students feel seen, supported and welcomed every day.
