Orange County Public Schools has selected five employees as finalists for the 2010 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:
Alfred Brown, Glenridge Middle School, is a paraprofessional in exceptional student education and has been with OCPS for five years. Mr. Brown is well respected by his peers on campus because of the extra effort he puts in each day. Along with the normal responsibilities of his job, he volunteers in the school’s “Boys to Men Program,” tutors students, covers lunch duty when necessary, helps with dismissal and coaches at-risk boys in flag football. When it comes to his students, his colleagues say, he treats all children with the utmost of respect.
Christine Guhl, Lancaster Elementary School, is a paraprofessional in the computer lab. Mrs. Guhl has worked for the district for 12 years. The list of projects that she has introduced to and organized for Lancaster are endless including the “Compassion to Action” program, the “Character Cash” reward system and the “Mighty Mentor” program. She also developed 10 service-learning projects. They include promoting global peace and harmony through a partnership with students who visited Lancaster from China. As the Read 180 computer lab paraprofessional, she has also helped improve reading gains for students.
Valeria L. Lopez, Edgewater High School, has been with the district for 20 years. Mrs. Lopez is the school secretary who very often is the first face many students and parents see in the office. She coordinates the school food pantry for students in need. Mrs. Lopez also works with local thrift shops to provide clothing for students in need and she organizes the Holiday Adopt-a-Family project. Edgewater employees feel she has been the glue that has helped hold the school together through two decades.
Nelson C. Ross, Pineloch Elementary School, is a program assistant in physical education. He has worked with OCPS for five years but this is his second career. Mr. Ross retired from the New York City Fire Department after 25 years of service. He was part of the search and rescue efforts after 9-11. Colleagues say he brings team work and character to school each day. Mr. Ross not only teaches PE activities, but, works with students on learning healthy eating habits, understanding vitamins and minerals and reading food labels. Outside of his normal responsibilities, he assists teachers and tutors. He also photographs and videotapes school events. Mr. Ross is a Cub Scout leader for 25 Pineloch students.
Joan Wilson, Tangelo Park Elementary School, is the computer lab paraprofessional. Mrs. Wilson has worked for the district and Tangelo Park for 21 years. She not only assists students with challenging computer programs but also tutors students in reading. Mrs. Wilson dedicates her time after school to the Young Ladies of Distinction group and is a member of the School Advisory Council (SAC). Away from school, she works in her church outreach program to help feed and clothe the homeless.
For more information, contact:
Lili Endler/Program Coordinator, Community Resources
407.317.3323
