Heart and Soul of Hillsboro

When someone is described as the “heart and soul” of a place, it likely means that person is pretty important to getting things done, there. It’s telling, then, how often that phrase comes up when you’re talking to people about Hillsboro Elementary School secretary, Brenda Muller, who is a finalist for our 2025-26 Education Support Professional of the Year state award.

“In the many roles she fulfills, Brenda has proven herself to be an indispensable part of our school community, going above and beyond in ways that are truly remarkable,” Ashley Podoll, the co-president of Hillsboro Education Association and classroom teacher, wrote in her nomination letter for Muller. “It is with great pleasure and admiration that I nominate Brenda for the Support Staff of the Year Award. She is the heart and soul of our school, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.”

Muller was selected by the ND United ESP Advisory Committee as one of three finalists for this year’s honor. The staff at Hillsboro decided to surprise her with a special award ceremony in the school’s gymnasium on Feb. 13, which was attended by just about everyone who knows and loves her in Hillsboro, including students from every grade, fellow staff members and educators, administrators and her family members.

“When (Hillsboro Superintendent) Mr. Dryburgh called me and had this idea to do this assembly, I think my first thing I said to you is she’s going to hate it,” said Hillsboro Elementary Principal Spencer Ruebke, in his remarks at the ceremony. “And you said, ‘I know.’ So, Brenda, thank you for being a good sport. I know how much you love the spotlight and surprises.”

Like her principal said, Muller does not enjoy being the center of attention. It's probably not surprising then that she chose not to make public remarks during her ceremony. However, she did offer some words of appreciation in a quick video interview afterwards.

“I had no clue it was coming,” Muller said. “It was a total surprise. So, (I feel) very honored. … Seeing all the kids, it was just overwhelming emotions. … It's just that feeling you get from the kids. There's just nothing like it, just the camaraderie and getting to know the kids and their families, everything they go through, being there for them (for the) ups, downs, all that. It's just great. I just love the kids.”

“Stand up if Brenda has ever helped you get a Band Aid,” Hillsboro Superintendent Jon Dryburgh asked the assembled crowd. Almost all of the students stood up. “You can sit down,” he said. “Stand up if Brenda has ever given you ice.” Again and again, nearly everybody stood up. Dryburgh kept going through the list of tasks that Muller does for students (and some of her colleagues) each day in her 27-year career in Hillsboro, including things like having Brenda call home for them when they’re sick, grabbing a piece (or more) of candy out of the bowl she keeps in the office, or feeling like Brenda “knew more than the principal.”

Before becoming superintendent in Hillsboro, Dryburgh worked as the elementary principal alongside Muller for 11 years, and came to know her as the first person he would turn to when he had a question. “She just serves in so many different capacities throughout the day, and each day is different,” he said. “There were times where she knew I was having a difficult day, and she would take care of things and she would screen phone calls if she needed to. … Anything that needs to be done, she just is willing to do it. Sometimes I talk to my staff about love languages, and I'm guessing her love language is acts of service, because that's what she does all day long, acts of service.”

Ruebke agreed, saying that he is still very new to the school as this is his first year as elementary principal in Hillsboro, but that Muller has oftentimes made that transition much easier. “I, being new to the school and to the community, she's just got that knowledge about everything and everyone,” Ruebke said. “I mean, any student I have a question about, she knows the students, she knows their parents. She knows where they live, (and) she knows which bus they get on.” 

Every school would benefit from having someone like Muller on staff, according to Podoll. “What truly sets Brenda apart, however, is her incredible character. She is the epitome of humility, always putting others first without seeking recognition for her countless contributions. Her kindness and sweetness shine through in every interaction, whether she’s assisting a student, supporting a colleague, or lending a hand when needed. … She’s a true team player who does whatever it takes to make our school a better place, and she does so with a heart full of compassion and dedication.”

Likewise, Muller said that her colleagues in education over the years have been helpful to her, so she just tries to pay back that kindness with her own. “It's the best,” Muller said about her colleagues. “(We’ve) had a lot of staff (and) seen a lot of staff over the years. But they're always there for me as I am for them. And that's what makes us a good team.”