From Harford County Public Schools:
Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce its 2016 Support Services Superstar Award recipients:
Lindsay B. Bilodeau, Communications Specialist, Office of Communications
Lindsay Bilodeau has served as Communications Specialist for Harford County Public Schools for seven years and is the coordinator for the school system’s annual Teacher of the Year program. She has been in public service for 11 years, having previously been a public affairs officer for a state agency, and is a member of the National School Public Relations Association.
Joyce S. Hess, Lead Secretary, Forest Hill Elementary School
Mrs. Hess has worked for HCPS for 42 years, beginning at the Board of Education, she then worked at Bel Air Elementary, and has been with Forest Hill Elementary for the last 17 years. Mrs. Hess received an award from SARC for organizing a golf outing for 17 years to keep the shelter operating. She has lived in Harford County all her life.
Zeno R. Jones, Paraeducator Special Education, Aberdeen Middle School
Mr. Zeno Jones has served in the Aberdeen Middle community for the past 13 years. Recognizing the need to teach the whole child, Mr. Jones created a mentoring program called Young Men on Tour which serves as an academic and behavioral group that promotes citizenship and leadership in the school. Through this program, many students have been motivated to not only achieve better grades in school, but are now in college reaching their goals.
Mary A. Lawson, Stock Person, Forest Hill Annex
Mary Lawson is a lifetime resident of Harford County and graduate from Havre de Grace High School. Formerly a volunteer, Mary has worked for 23 years in the science curriculum office to create and deliver quality science materials kits to all 33 elementary schools. Mary was honored in 2003 as the Public Employer of the Year for her support and work with People with Disabilities including students who attended John Archer, C. Milton Wright High, Fallston High, and Aberdeen High Schools.
Jeffrey B. Norris, Electronics Technician II, Office of Technology
Jeffrey Norris has worked for HCPS since 2006 and has improved how electronics are serviced in the schools. He has lowered the number of service calls and sped up turn around time by locating better products and creating an internal service center for warranty repair work. Currently Jeffrey designs and works on LCD projectors, interactive white boards, TV studios, digital signage, auditorium sound and lighting systems, and sound systems for gyms, cafeterias and music rooms.
Judith A. Palin, Office Secretary II, Office of Curriculum
Judy Palin has been a resident of Harford County since 2010. Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, she has served other school districts in the capacity of Assistant Principal, elementary teacher, and middle school math teacher. Judy volunteers for SARC, and the Humane Society of Harford County. Judy is proud to serve the science team as an administrative assistant.
Matthew W. Perrone, Chief Custodian I, Edgewood Elementary School
Alfred L. Reeves, Equity & Cultural Technician, Magnolia Middle School
Pastor A. L. Reeves is a former educator at Joppatowne High School. As the Director of boys 2 MEN, Harford County Public Schools, Pastor Reeves’ mentoring program operates in Edgewood and Magnolia Middle Schools, as well as in, Deerfield Elementary School. This year, boys 2 MEN consists of 532 young men and in its’ 21 years, has successfully graduated 2206 young men who have pursued their college education, military training and numerous trades, but, more importantly, they have purposed to live successful and productive lives.
Amy L. Wells, Paraeducator, Special Education, Fallston High School
Gavin C. Zorbach, Coordinator of Special Education Transportation, Hickory Annex
Before becoming the Coordinator of Special Needs Transportation for HCPS, Gavin Zorbach was previously a Special Education teacher. While with the Transportation Department, Gavin has increased the efficiency of special education bus routes, reduced the overall ride time for students, and reduced the cost to HCPS. Gavin is the President of his homeowners’ association and Treasurer of Fountain Green Swim Club.
The school system rolled out the new employee recognition program this year as an opportunity for HCPS stakeholders to recognize support services employees. Nominations were accepted from July to September, 2016. Then, a panel of judges reviewed all nominations submitted and identified a list of finalists to recommend to the Superintendent of Schools. The winners were notified during a surprise office visit and check presentation on November 16, 2016 – Education Support Professionals Day.
APG Federal Credit Union (APGFCU) is the proud financial sponsor of HCPS Support Services Superstar Awards. The 10 award recipients received $200 each and their supervisors were given $100 to host a celebration for the recipient at their work location.
The awards were based on nominated employees demonstrating at least one of the following criteria:
– Exemplary performance, outstanding achievements, or accomplishments
– Exemplary role model to include outstanding customer service, collaboration, and positive attitude
– Cost savings or ideas that contribute to increased efficiency
– Design and implementation of new systems or processes
All HCPS regular support staff employees (clerical support, instructional support, central office support, operational support, etc.) are eligible for the annual award, but must have successfully completed one year of continuous service with the organization prior to their nomination. Supervisors, administrators, teachers and other certificated employees, and substitute employees are not eligible to receive this award.
Congratulations to all.