Donna Marshall Award of Excellence | Candi Pettit

Donna Marshall Award of Excellence | Candi Pettit

Walk into the Lower School at The Westview School, and you'll likely be greeted by a warm smile, a helpful hand, and someone who already knows why you're there before you say a word. That's Candi Pettit, Lower School Administrative Assistant

"She is the face and heart of Westview," one colleague shared. Another put it: "Well, she's Candi! Why doesn't she deserve this honor? She's awesome in all aspects!"

Candi's path to Westview wasn't a straight line. She began her college education but left two classes shy of graduation to help support her family. After moving to Houston, she worked at Memorial Hermann until a frightening experience, being held up at gunpoint in a parking garage, made her reconsider her career path.

"I thought the solution was to go back to school, finish my degree, and work in education while I worked on my teaching certificate," she said. She sent her resume to The Briarwood School, and though they didn't have a spot for her, her resume was passed along to Westview.

That connection led to an interview with Jane Stewart, who left a lasting impression. "I came in wearing a suit," said Candi, "and Jane told me, 'Well, if this place is a fit for you, this will be the last time you dress like that.'" Despite telling Candi she was overqualified, Jane offered her a job. "The rest," Candi says, "is now my history."

Since that day, Candi has been a steady, reliable force behind the scenes at Westview. She's the first face many families see each morning and the quiet hand making sure the school runs smoothly. “Candi does a little bit of everything,” a staff member said. “She can do it all.”

Her coworkers describe her as thoughtful, punctual, endlessly helpful, and deeply loyal. "Candi is always available when it comes to supporting students," one colleague wrote, "and she's also dedicated to helping teachers accomplish their goals and meet their needs."

Candi views her job as one of service, and that's precisely what sets her apart. "My favorite part of the job is helping others solve issues and concerns, and also talking to students and staff," she said.

When asked about the most challenging part of her role, her response was pure Candi: "I don't know of any challenges… as things arise, I work with an amazing team that works together to solve whatever takes place."

She also knows what makes Westview special. "It's the family feel. Everyone makes every day feel different and special. It's kind of like Cheers, but where everyone knows your name, and they truly care for each other."

Candi was floored to receive this award from her colleagues. "I'm so honored," she said. "People consider me special just because I do what we all do, make the day great, and make this the greatest place on earth. Who needs Disney… we all have Westview."

True blue Westview, through and through, that is Ms. Candi. Her warmth, paired with a relentless work ethic, is what earned Candi the 2024–2025 Donna Marshall Award of Excellence, which honors a non-instructional staff member who represents the very best of Westview.