CCSD Announces Fourth Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards

The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate excellent service at its fourth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!

The recognition ceremony on December 2 will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.  Each honoree will be congratulated by the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members and receive a plaque and gifts of appreciation before an audience of honorees and their families, Principals and CCSD leaders.

“Our schools and school district would not function without the critical support of these valued staff members,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “Every one of our support staff employees meets an important need to help us succeed.  We’re so grateful for all of them and proud to honor the best of the best with this annual recognition ceremony.”   

Award winners were selected by their school or division colleagues, and everyone who works in a support role – from bus drivers to front office staff to paraprofessionals to cafeteria staff and many, many more people important to CCSD’s operations – is eligible for the honor.  Teachers, counselors, media specialists and administrators are not eligible, as they are honored through other awards programs. 
 
At the conclusion of the Dec. 2 event, surprise presentations will be made to one overall CCSD winner each in three categories: Elementary School; Middle School/High School/Centers; Central Office.  These winners, who receive additional gifts, are selected by a committee of retired educators and community leaders.  

The event is made possible by generous donations from community partners including Presenting Sponsor, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; and Platinum Sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia.

Additional financial and in-kind sponsorship opportunities are available; interested businesses and organizations are encouraged to please contact Penny Dempsey at penny.dempsey@cherokeek12.net or 770.479.1871.

2021 CCSD Support Staff Employees of the Year
ACTIVE Academies
Crystal Williams, School Nutrition Worker

Arnold Mill Elementary School
Patti Eisenhauer, Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Avery Elementary School
Dedra Turner, Paraprofessional

Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy
Donna Mele, Principal's Secretary

Bascomb Elementary School
Linda Wilson, School Nutrition Worker

Boston Elementary School
Michelle Helvey, Paraprofessional

Carmel Elementary School
Yudy Soro, Parent Engagement Facilitator

CCSD Preschool Centers
Sara Lightcap, Speech Language Pathologist

Cherokee High School
Liz Garced, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director's Secretary

Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy
Tiffany Gilbert, Lead Custodian

Clayton Elementary School
Dan Wolfe, IEP Paraprofessional

Creekland Middle School
Maralee Tabor, Principal's Secretary

Creekview High School
Lisa Sheehan, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director's Secretary

Dean Rusk Middle School
Hector Solis, Custodian

E.T. Booth Middle School
Missy Venezia, Instructional Lead Strategist

Etowah High School
Penny Jones, Principal's Secretary

Free Home Elementary School
Amy Lathem, School Nutrition Manager

Freedom Middle School
Cassie Fainter, Instructional Lead Strategist

Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy
Christine Ruff, Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Hickory Flat Elementary School
Robert McCright, Lead Custodian

Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy
Kaitlyn Childers, Paraprofessional

Indian Knoll Elementary School
Lois Boggs, Supportive Instruction Paraprofessional

Johnston Elementary School
Tammy Scanlon, IEP Paraprofessional

Knox Elementary School STEM Academy
Carol Dunn, Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Liberty Elementary School
Beth Major, Student Records Facilitator

Little River Elementary School
Melinda Belisle, Supportive Instruction Paraprofessional

Macedonia Elementary School
Joan Watkins, Bookkeeper

Mill Creek Middle School
Johnny Gibson, Custodian

Mountain Road Elementary School
Dawn Patini, Supportive Instruction Paraprofessional

Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy
Amy Zaski, Supportive Instruction Paraprofessional

R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy
Jodi Henderson, Bookkeeper

River Ridge High School
Sara D'Antuono, Assistant Principal's Secretary

Sequoyah High School
Cindy Brown, Student Services Secretary

Sixes Elementary School
Teresa Foster, Paraprofessional

Teasley Middle School
Lori Duffy, Principal's Secretary

Tippens Education Center
Nikki Quinn, Paraprofessional

Woodstock Elementary School
Jennifer McInnis, Student Records Facilitator

Woodstock High School
Aura Castellanos, School Nutrition Worker and Custodian

Woodstock Middle School
Melissa Barsh, Supportive Instruction Paraprofessional

CCSD Office of Curriculum & Instruction
Nilda Tippins, Administrative Assistant to Executive Director, Special Education

CCSD Office of Financial Management
Tammie Hunter, Administrative Assistant to Chief Officer

CCSD Office of Human Resources
Mary Shea, Division Facilitator

CCSD Office of Safety & Security
Mary Hansen, Administrative Assistant to Chief Officer

CCSD Offices of Communications/School Operations/Superintendent
Anne Reed, Administrative Assistant to Chief Officers

CCSD Office of Support Services
Biff McGhee, Maintenance Facility Technician

CCSD Office of Technology & Information Services
Stefan Zimmerman, Systems Specialist

CCSD Transportation Department
David Ammons, Transportation Specialist
#CCSDfam

PHOTO: Images from just a few of the surprise presentations to our school and division Support Staff Employees of the Year!