Orange County Public Schools has chosen five employees as finalists for the 2012 Support Person of the Year. The winner will be announced during the OCPS Support Person of the Year Awards Ceremony in February 2012. This year’s finalists are:
Kathy Leadbeater, Dr. Phillips High School, is the secretary to the principal, Gene Trochinski, who says “she is regularly the first person to work and sets the tone for the day by having everything in place and ready when the rest of the staff arrives.” Mrs. Leadbeater has worked for OCPS for 24 years. The school’s nominating committee said she is a testament to indispensability at DPHS. She maintains an orderly office and handles her job professionally. Mrs. Leadbeater has been the Support Person of the Year ten times at four different schools and is a three-time finalist for the district award.
Vanessa Darwood, Zellwood Elementary, has worked for OCPS for 40 years. She is currently a paraprofessional but her co-workers say she is truly much more. They describe her as a team member, nurse, counselor, teacher, and a loving person. She makes time in her day to build relationships with children and their families. Mrs. Darwood is a member of the PTA and the child study team. She can often be seen representing Zellwood Elementary at community events. She says what she loves most about her job is seeing children thrive.
Melissa Pratt, Ridgewood Park Elementary, is the school secretary and bookkeeper. The school principal and co-workers agree Mrs. Pratt is extremely efficient and organized. She is flexible, willing to learn new procedures, and continues to expand her knowledge on a daily basis. Mrs. Pratt is very personable and empathetic with the student, parents, and teachers. She’s also the school’s substitute coordinator and foster grandparent coordinator as well as a mentor herself. Her co-workers say she has made a profound difference in the lives of the students she has mentored and that her concern for the students is inspiring.
Angel Bodiford, Thornebrooke Elementary, is a program assistant and behavior trainer. She has worked for OCPS for 23 years. Mrs. Bodiford works side by side with teachers and paraprofessionals to create a work environment in which students with disabilities may thrive. She instructs students, implements behavior plans, and diffuses crisis situations. Her co-workers say she is a positive and important Exceptional Student Education team member who continually strives to provide the most optimal learning opportunity for all students. In addition to her job responsibilities she can be seen managing the car line, working lunch duty, or assisting at the front desk.
Ruben Marin, Vista Lakes Elementary, is the custodial crew leader. He has worked at OCPS for 11 years. His co-workers say he is a highly-skilled worker and a great leader with a lot of compassion for his job and the students at Vista Lakes. They say each day he extends himself beyond his job responsibilities, takes initiative, and makes the school a more positive, safe, healthy, and attractive place for students and staff. Around the school, Mr. Marin is also known as the “fix-it” man repairing furniture, sinks, door handles, and whatever else needs attention. He also supports students by telling them to work hard, keep their behavior in check, and be good citizens.
The person chosen as the Orange County Public Schools Support Person of the Year will be considered for the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. That is the state program which honors outstanding support personnel for their contributions to their schools and districts. Support personnel 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.
