FINALISTS NAMED FOR SCHOOL-RELATED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
January 20, 2012 Marion County
One receptionist. One health clinic assistant. Two paraprofessionals. Two permanent classroom substitutes. All six are now in contention to be Marion County Public Schools’ 2012 School-Related Employee of the Year.
The six employees received surprise visits this morning to tell them they’re finalists for the annual honor. The winner will be named Friday, January 27, at an 11:30AM luncheon at the Ocala Hilton.
Among this year’s finalists (listed alphabetically by school):
Marquita Jones, Fessenden Elementary – Jones is the school receptionist who’s been at the front desk for two years. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and serves as the school’s first contact with the public. Colleagues describe her as respected, cheerful, and professional.
Timothy Cooke, Lake Weir High – Cooke is a permanent classroom substitute teacher with 27 years of education experience, the last seven at Lake Weir High. He works with students in credit recovery and is described as bright, motivated, and devoted to excellence.
Maribel Lopez-Cuevas, Marion Oaks Elementary – Lopez-Cuevas is a permanent classroom substitute teacher nearing her five-year mark with the district. Colleagues use words like “go to person” and “smile and move attitude” to describe her and her work ethic.
Lori Reese, Shady Hill Elementary – Reese serves as her school’s health clinic assistant and is in her second year on the job. She’s responsible for student health issues, working with health agencies, and is described as upbeat, energetic, very detailed in record-keeping, and a team player.
Heather Tedder, Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary – Tedder is a paraprofessional in her fourth year at the school (plus four years of volunteering at the same school). She works with struggling reading students and is described as a positive person with high expectations, extremely organized, and an independent worker.
Liz Mannino, Sunrise Elementary – Mannino is an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) paraprofessional. A Sunrise employee for five years, she oversees the school store, serves as translator for many functions, and is described as creative, reliable, responsible, and well organized.
CONGRATULATONS to Jacob Votos and and Lyndsey Johnson, juniors at West Port High. Jacob and Lyndsey are among a 1,000 students selected to attend West Point Military Academy's Summer Leaders Seminar this June.
The Summer Leaders Seminar offers high school juniors the opportunity to experience life at West Point. Attendees live in the cadet barracks, participate in academics, leadership, athletic and military workshops. During the one-week stay, they will get assistance with choosing the best college while better understanding the importance of leadership and solid decision-making skills in their education, career, and life in general.
CONGRATULATIONS to Bob Ayton, AP Chemistry, Physics B, and Chemistry Honors teacher at Dunnellon High. Bob has been chosen to speak at the 2011 Advanced Placement National Conference in San Francisco in July. Bob’s session, A New Approach to Teaching Chemical Equilibrium will be included in the main conference program.
