Orange County Public Schools has chosen five employees as finalists for the 2011 Support Person of the Year. The winner will be announced during the OCPS Support Person of the Year Awards Ceremony on January 28, 2010 at the Rosen Centre Hotel. This year’s finalists are:
Roxanne Bracy, Washington Shores Elementary, is a media clerk who loves to share information about the latest book or article she has read. She helps children foster a love for reading by bringing the pages of a book to life. When reading Johnny Appleseed she brings in fresh apples and apple juice to help students relate and remember. Her co-workers say she is constantly enhancing the lives of everyone around her.
Carmen Dilworth, Timber Lakes Elementary, is a school health assistant who never says no to lending a helping hand. She is diligent in the care of every student at Timber Lakes and is extremely supportive of her co-workers. Mrs. Dilworth says, “The 700 kids at Timber Lakes are like my own.” She not only works as a school health assistant she often helps in the front office, assists students in the cafeteria, and she is active in the PTA.
Carole Dinkins, Hospital Homebound/Winnie Palmer Transition Class, is a program assistant who has a natural nurturing ability to bring students out of their shell. Mrs. Dinkins works with students who have graduated from high school and are still striving to overcome various disabilities. She gives her students additional support that allows them to transition into the workplace. Her co-workers say she always goes the extra mile to help her students.
Rose Kelly, Colonial 9th Grade Center, is the school secretary and a true professional dedicated to her school in every way. The students say she is like their mom when their real mom is not there. She has worked for OCPS for 28 years. She wears many hats at Colonial 9th Grade Center and still volunteers with the student council, chorus, and in the community. She is selfless with her time and goes above and beyond to make her school a great place to be.
Meltonia Presley, Pineloch Elementary, is a paraprofessional who always comes up with innovative ideas to help children learn better. She goes to work with a passion for learning as well as teaching. Ms. Presley works primarily with special needs students but she has open arms and a welcoming heart for all students she comes in contact with. She has worked at Pineloch for 22 years but for the past three years she has been instrumental in bringing additional tutoring to the students who are struggling.
The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program honors outstanding support personnel for their contributions to their schools and districts. Support personnel enhance the educational experience for the children whose lives they touch. They are essential to the successful operation of a school or district office. Nominees demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs, thereby earning them the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, co-workers and parents.
For more information contact Shari Bobinski/Senior Specialist, Media Relations 407.317.3200 ext. 2905
I work with Rose Kelly at Colonial 9th grade center, and she is our Most valuable Person! She always contributes to almost every activity going on at our school! …and when on campus or at one of the games, she knows all the kids names before I have even memorized my own students. She is our collaborative Faculty/Student mom both in the warm personal way and also in the pushing to make you better more professional person way. She is our MVP!