The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet New West Central Employee, Alyssa Hawk.

Alyssa is the secretary for West Central Middle School. She says that the Middle School and its staff have a wonderful positive energy.

She was born in Burlington, IA and raised in Carman. Her dad was the late Kenneth Harkness II. Her mom, Janine Harkness, who lives in Carman, is a Data and Information specialist for the Regional Office of Education.

Her grandmother is Glenda Edenburn of Carman.

Alyssa has two siblings. Her brother Joshua Harkness is engaged to Kelsey Netherton. Her sister is Amanda Liggett. Alyssa is close to her nieces Rozella and Dustie Liggett and Aspen Countryman. She enjoys spending time with them.

Her husband Josh Hawk is an agronomist for Agritech Research a company based out of Frederick, TX. He works from home and travels for his job.

Alyssa and Josh live in Stronghurst.

Alyssa's in-laws are Jim and Anita Hawk. Jim works for Twomey Family Farm. Anita is a teacher's aide in the Carthage School System.

In addition to her secretarial position with West Central, Alyssa is also the Dance Coach for West Central High School. She previously worked at Great River Hospice in Burlington, Iowa and continues there as a part-time aide.

Her hobbies include spending time with her animals (2 horses and 3 dogs). She also enjoys watching football, crocheting and quilting.

Alyssa's favorite quote is from Gabrielle William's book "Beatle Meets Destiny."

"And hard times are good in their own way, too. Because the only way you can achieve true happiness is if you experience true sadness as well. It's all about light and shade. Balance."