CCSD Celebrates 2023-24 Support Staff & Honors Employees of the Year!
The Cherokee County School District celebrated the important role of support staff at its Sixth Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards on Thursday evening.
The celebration honored one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions. Each of the honorees was recognized by the Superintendent of Schools, received a plaque and gifts of appreciation including a $200 Visa card funded by sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; Platinum Sponsors, Credit Union of Georgia and Roof Technology Partners; and Gold Sponsor, Nova Engineering & Environmental.
At the conclusion of the evening, surprise presentations were made to one overall CCSD winner each in three categories: Elementary School to R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy kindergarten paraprofessional Kim Howell; Middle School/High School/Centers to ACTIVE Academies Special Education facilitator Susie Okerblad; and Central Office to instructional technology specialist Dixie Harper from the Office of Technology & Information Services. These overall winners were selected by a committee of retired educators and community leaders.
“It takes a village to run an organization of this size, and we’ve got a lot of heroes we’re going to honor tonight,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said to the honorees. “Thank you for your hard work and commitment -- it shows every day. I’m proud to work alongside you.”
The three overall CCSD winners received: a $500 Visa card funded by sponsors, $200 Amazon gift card from Cobb EMC, a CCSD or school logo embroidered jacket valued at $150 from Allegro Business Products, $100 gift card from Practically Perfect Day Spa, gift box from Buff City Soap valued at approximately $100, Birthday-in-a-Box valued at $80 from Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock, carryon luggage bag from ABM Industry Groups LLC, $50 gift card from Downtown Kitchen, $50 gift card from Buffalo’s Café, $50 gift card from Riverstone Corner Bistro and gift cards from Chick-fil-A of Cherokee County and Marco’s Pizza.
All winners, in addition to the Visa gift card, also received a $25 Amazon gift card, plaque of recognition and a special Support Staff of the Year pin funded by sponsors as well as: a $25 gift certificate from Practically Perfect Day Spa, gift cards from Branchwater Steak and Seafood, Community Burger and Riverstone Corner Bistro and a swag bag with gifts from: ABM Industry Groups LLC, Lisa Arrington - Mary Kay Sales, Buffalo’s Café, Chick-fil-A of Cherokee County, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Cobb EMC, Credit Union of Georgia, Crumbl Cookie, Garth Gherardini, Managing Partner - Modern Woodmen of America, Marco’s Pizza, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Riverstone, Northside Hospital Cherokee and Nothing Bundt Cakes Woodstock.
School- and division-level honorees were selected by their colleagues, and everyone who works in a support role for CCSD is eligible for the honor. Teachers, counselors, media specialists and administrators are not eligible, as they are honored through other awards programs.
As part of the presentation to the three overall winners, excerpts from the nomination forms were shared to give the audience of greater sense of their value to their school and community.
Elementary School Winner: R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy kindergarten paraprofessional Kim Howell
She has 26 years of service with CCSD, all in her current role.
From her nomination: “Ms. Howell knows the kindergarten world inside and out. She knows the social and academic needs of the students she serves and whole-heartedly supports them to the best of her ability every single day. She is focused on helping students in the classroom reach their full potential and strives to make them feel loved, important and have the mindset that they can accomplish anything they set their mind on. If a teacher or peer need a helping hand, listening ear or guidance, Ms. Howell is the first to show up for her friends. She shows a deep passion for this school and community.”
Middle School/High School/Centers Winner: ACTIVE Academies Special Education facilitator Susie Okerblad
She has 21 years of service with CCSD, including five in her current role.
From her nomination: “For more than 20 years, Ms. Okerblad has worked tirelessly in many locations throughout the district to meet the needs of students where they are, regardless of their unique challenges. She has earned a reputation throughout the district as a competent, committed champion of students. She is well known for her thoroughness, compassion and knowledge of Special Education protocols and procedures, which makes her an invaluable asset to any schools' team. However, it is at ACTIVE Academies where Ms. Okerblad’s drive, leadership and dedication have been indispensable in her very unique role on our campus. We are proud know her and learn from her!”
Central Office Winner: instructional technology specialist Dixie Harper from the Office of Technology & Information Services
She has 22 years of service with CCSD, including eight in her current role.
From her nomination: “Dixie's work performance is nothing short of exemplary. Her dedication to her responsibilities is evident in the meticulous care she takes in executing her tasks. Her dedication to maintaining a well-organized and efficient work environment is commendable and greatly contributes to the overall success of our district. She has the ability to motivate and inspire her colleagues, which has significantly improved team dynamics and fostered a sense of unity among support staff. Dixie is always willing to lend a helping hand, mentor new employees and take the lead on projects that demand strong leadership.”
Every week, a different school or division Support Staff Employee of the Year winner will be featured on CCSD’s website and social media platforms. The three overall winners also will be congratulated by the School Board at its December meeting.
2023-24 CCSD Support Staff Employees of the Year
ACTIVE Academies
Susie Okerblad, Special Education facilitator
Arnold Mill Elementary School
Alicia Perkins, supportive instruction paraprofessional
Avery Elementary School
Carrie Gilliam, bookkeeper
Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy
Susan Jones, IEP paraprofessional
Bascomb Elementary School
Hope Leak, school secretary
Boston Elementary School
Dr. Jen Jones, instructional lead strategist
Carmel Elementary School
Kathy Schappert, bookkeeper
CCSD Preschool Centers
Cortney Massoud, Special Education paraprofessional at Ralph Bunche Center
Cherokee High School
Ana Maria Scoretz, school nurse
Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy
Ann King, school secretary
Clayton Elementary School
Katie Swick, bookkeeper
Creekland Middle School
Lauren Davis, school secretary
Creekview High School
Kelleye Greene, principal's secretary
Dean Rusk Middle School
Katey Yursis, in-school suspension facilitator
E.T. Booth Middle School
Erika Smith, School Nutrition manager
Etowah High School
Silvia Holmes, counseling secretary
Free Home Elementary School
Theresa Perry, custodian
Freedom Middle School
Ann-Marie Polhemus, school secretary
Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy
Mandy Brannon, bookkeeper
Hickory Flat Elementary School
Olivia Byess, principal's secretary
Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy
Michelle Adams, supportive instruction paraprofessional
Indian Knoll Elementary School
Lauren Abrams, instructional lead strategist
Johnston Elementary School
Sam Gagner, bookkeeper
Knox Elementary School STEM Academy
Shay Langston, bookkeeper/after school program bookkeeper
Liberty Elementary School
Sue Banker, bookkeeper
Little River Elementary School
Chandler Woodruff, technology specialist
Macedonia Elementary School
Georgie Hathcock, School Nutrition manager
Mill Creek Middle School
Ashley Kelsey, instructional lead strategist
Mountain Road Elementary School
Georgie Benson, Special Education paraprofessional
Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy
Ashley Webster, school nurse
R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy
Kim Howell, kindergarten paraprofessional
River Ridge High School
Marlee Livesay, school secretary
Sequoyah High School
Marina Goddard, instructional lead strategist
Sixes Elementary School
Lauren Vanner, instructional technology specialist
Teasley Middle School
Officer Eddie Gibney, school police officer
Tippens Education Center
Adam Parker, Special Education facilitator
Woodstock Elementary School
Heather Whitney, principal's secretary
Woodstock High School
Aurelia Epperson, school secretary
Woodstock Middle School
Naomi Barajas, Special Education paraprofessional
CCSD Office of Curriculum & Instruction
Lorie Burgess, Special Education inventory clerk
CCSD Office of Financial Management
Chuck Gravitt, treasury management specialist
CCSD Office of Human Resources
Emily Iwane, executive director’s secretary
CCSD Office of Safety & Security
Brian Stevenson, school police officer
CCSD Offices of Communications/School Operations/Superintendent
Dr. Tara Quinn-Schuldt, student support specialist
CCSD Office of Support Services
Darrin Andes, maintenance technician
CCSD Office of Technology & Information Services
Dixie Harper, instructional technology specialist
CCSD Transportation Department
Morgan Pace, transportation clerk
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Archive
2022-23 Support Staff Employee of the Year Awards
2021-22 Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards
2020-21 Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards