2010 Employee of the Year Reception

On Tuesday April 20, 2010, we gathered at the Historic Owen’s School to commemorate the remarkable efforts of the School District’s teachers, staff, and volunteers. It is these individuals that demonstrate daily how much impact you can make in a child’s life. It is a great honor to be recognized for anything but it is especially so for the work these people do on a daily basis.

The following teachers were nominated for their exceptional teaching abilities and attentiveness to the needs of their students: Jeffrey Wildt (MES), Ashley Russ (NES), Emily Morris (WES), Kaycee Mays (DMS), Cynthia Childs (DCHS), and Jenise Stark (DECC). The recipient of the 2011 Teacher of the Year award was Cynthia Childs from DeSoto County High School. Mrs. Childs has brought innovation into her classroom and has received the respect of her colleagues through her dedication and commitment.

It is not just teachers that inspire and care for students; there are also the school employees who work just as hard to help our children succeed. This year’s School Related Employee of the Year nominees were: Shelton Young (MES), Michelle Brown (NES), Janet Ridley (WES), Emma Buenrostro (DMS), Delma Redden (DCHS), Michelle Cross (DECC), Vicki McCorquodale (Finance), James Backer (IT). The recipient of the 2010 School Related Employee of the Year award was James Backer. His efforts toward maintaining and keeping our computer systems running are a vital part in the education process.

Then there are the people who are willing to report to a school quickly to engage with the students when the teacher is not able. Nominees for the 2010 Substitute of the Year were: Mary Ann Treadwell (MES), Tawana Dixon (NES), Karen Mercer (WES), Diana Hartley (DMS), and Alma Cendejas (DCHS). These substitutes have not only been there in tough times, but they have created a unique system where they provide a learning environment in the absence of the teacher. Tawana Dixon was the recipient of this honor. She exemplifies the unique qualities that make our school system great.

Volunteers are a fundamental part of our society that give back without being asked to and dedicate their free time to helping others. We greatly appreciate the work of our volunteers. We would like to acknowledge these extraordinary people. The winner in the youth division for the 2010 Volunteer of the year was JuanAndrea Munoz from West Elementary School. Juan Andrea finds time to help out even with the demands of school and extracurricular activities. It is amazing to see our youth give back at such a young age. In our adult division our nominees were: Tammy Beard (NES), Karen O’lenych (WES), Cynthia Mizell (DCHS), and Stephanie Morgan (DECC). Our 2010 Volunteer of the Year recipient for the adult division was Stephanie Morgan. Stephanie volunteers frequently at West Elementary School and always receives students with a warm smile and attention. Our senior citizens are very involved with the schools and we appreciate their knowledge and wisdom when they enlighten students. In our senior division the nominees were: JoAnn Douglas (MES), Jean Evoy (WES), Patricia Schudel (DMS), and Roberto R San Luis (FSC).   The person who received the honor of the award, 2010 Volunteer of the year, in the senior division was Patricia Schudel. Patricia spends time volunteering at DeSoto Middle School and she understands the trials that students go through every day. Her exemplarily attitude towards helping others is shown by the rewards she reaps from contributing to the welfare of students. 

The atmosphere at the Historic Owen’s School was heightened by the cheers that resounded for these amazing individuals. Their actions affect all of us because they are the force that keeps the school district moving forward. They are dependable and willing to report every morning with the set goal of completing their tasks in the best way possible. We congratulate all of these people for their contributions and the significance that they make to so many students.