Activities Director Angela Lima is without a doubt a powerful influence at Palmetto. Her job affects the daily lives of students and is a major influence on the structure of Palmetto’s clubs and activities.

“Mrs. Lima is one of the most selfless people I know. She is so supportive of everything we do and I can’t imagine Palmetto without her,” Drama Department Head Elizabeth Silverio said.

Lima has an impact on school life that students rarely have a chance to notice, but her behind-the-scenes work contributes to the smooth functioning of the school’s activities.

Everything that involves clubs, electives, Student Council, drama shows and dances – basically anything that falls under the category “activity” -involves Lima. She also has a say in next year’s budget.

“Mrs. Lima without a doubt puts Palmetto and her job before anything else. She is my biggest inspiration,” senior Brittany Batten, Student Council President, said. “I want to be just like her. She inspires me to be less selfish and a better person.”

Students and faculty credit Lima with brightening their day with her happy demeanor. When walking into Lima’s office, one can always expect a smile and a “How can I help you?”

Although students and faculty say they have learned from Lima, it seems that the feeling is mutual. Lima believes a lot of what she has learned at the school stems from the students.

“I get to work with some wonderful kids so much that I see the potential for my own kids. I have a lot of optimism about their opportunities and what my own children will be able to achieve in school,” Lima said.

With all of her responsibilities, balance is necessary, especially as Lima prepares to have her third child, a baby boy.

“I’m so excited to meet him and to see who he’s going to be, to get to know our new blessing and have another baby in our life,” Lima said.

Balancing a career and children is difficult, but to combat these problems Lima has found the solution at a comforting source in her workplace through the help of faculty and staff.

“Having a third child may be a little more challenging, especially the first two years. Thankfully I have very supportive network of family and friends. I hope to be able to balance both without hurting one or the other,” Lima said.

Lima’s skills in balancing her work and family life is evident in the school’s successful events and clubs.

“I also have a very supportive network of family and friends, whether it’s pickup or helping me with the children around events, I always have help,” Lima said

Palmetto is preparing for the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year without Lima. According to students and faculty, she will be missed, but as Batten puts it, there is not much to worry about.

“Palmetto may be losing her physically for a few months but never emotionally,” Batten said. “She can say the smallest things and they make my whole day- that feeling will never leave Palmetto.”