For new Attendance Secretary Genine Duffy, location means nothing when the people mean everything.

After moving to the United States 31 years ago from London, she settled in Virginia Beach, which she proudly calls her new home.

Her inspiration to move to America came at the age of 25 after she met an American for the first time: a University of Virginia alumna who was visiting London. After they became best friends, she convinced Duffy to move to America and she set her up with a temporary job as a nanny while Duffy figured out what she wanted to do with her life.

“I started studying criminal justice in college with the intention of becoming a forensic technician. I did a short internship in forensics and decided I did not like some of the things I had to see, so I changed my thought and ended up with a fabulous career at the Virginia Beach Police Department,” Duffy said.

In 2000, she started in the 911 communications center as a 911 dispatcher, where she received a promotion to operations supervisor in 2015 and another promotion in 2019 to senior operations supervisor, a position she held until November 2023. 

After leaving the police department, she took four months off and began working at the Adult Learning Center at Renaissance Academy.

“I was there [for] four months and someone suggested I would love OLHS, and it would be the perfect school for me,” Duffy said. “I was advised by HR when two positions became available, so I came in for an interview for both positions.”

Duffy finds great solace in her new role as attendance secretary.

“By far, my most favorite part is the students. I have met so many wonderful young people, many of whom I have developed little work friendships with–there are so many different personalities and some little comedians too,” Duffy said. “The candy jar is a hit, and many students now just pop in to say ‘Hi, Ms. G,’ and they grab a piece of gum. It’s the highlight of my day.”

Duffy is in charge of everything attendance-related at Ocean Lakes, which includes but is not limited to handling parent pick-ups, field trips and keeping track of students who are late, leaving early or out sick.

Although her role may seem simple, students attest that the impact she has on others is quite dynamic.

“I was running late one morning and in a bit of a sour mood. I went to attendance to sign in and she joked [with me about] my Arsenal jersey. It lightened the mood and was a nice start to my day,” senior Daniel Shattuck said. “Later, I learned that she’s also a Yankees fan, so there’s some redemption there. More importantly, though, I learned that she’s a very nice and compassionate person [who] seems to genuinely care about the students.”

Main Office Associate Sheryl Lussier couldn’t agree more that Duffy’s role transcends beyond answering phone calls, writing emails and tracking attendance. Lussier adds that she is also a woman of many interests and skills.

“I have a very busy social life and am always on the go. I have one sister who lives in Colorado and a sister and brother who still live in London. My parents also still live in London and I try and visit every year,” Duffy said. “My dad is a professional magician and a comedian, so I had an amazing childhood filled with fun, love and laughter.”

According to Duffy, she’s an avid sports fan. Not only does she attend several Yankee and Giant games per season, but she plays golf very often. When she’s not hitting at the range, she’s relaxing at the beach or spending time with her 19-year-old son and family.

“I always dreamed of being a fashion editor for a big magazine or a TV sports commentator, and my son is currently at Ole Miss studying sports communications; so, this brings me much joy,” Duffy said.

Described as “a kindred spirit,” her goal remains the same: to spread the love, laughter and cheer she experiences, with those around her. 

“The role that Ms. Duffy plays in our school is so very important because she is the link between the school and the student’s home,” Lussier said. “Whether it’s in the cafeteria with a security assistant or a cafeteria worker, a teacher doing one lunch duty, in the Guidance office or even just standing in the hallway, students are sometimes more open and talkative than in the classroom.”

The POD continues to welcome her with open arms.

“The bookkeeper, Ms. [Allyson] Greg, instantly welcomed me and has become my lunchtime walking pal. The teachers are all awesome, but Mr. [Michael] Pollock and Mr. [Thomas] Stewart are hilarious. They make me laugh daily and I love to laugh,” Duffy said. “I love all of the students, but the ones who stop in, chat and joke with me are the ones I love the most.”

Although there are many faces that brighten her day, Duffy recognizes students Diamond Sturgis, Sin’cere Bracey, Christian Jackson-Bess, Skylar Little, Gabi Allison, Nathaniel Blom and Levi Curtis as stand-outs.

“Whenever I see her at work in the attendance office, interacting with students or parents, she impresses me more and more. When she says in her lovely British voice, ‘I’ll take care of it, Sheri,’ I know that she will,” Lussier said. “I am so thankful she found her way to our school.”