Congratulations to Our Support Staff Employees of the Year!

Congratulations to the school and division winners for our ninth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards!  

Award winners are selected by their school or division colleagues, and everyone who works in a support role is eligible for the honor -- from school nurses to front office staff to paraprofessionals to cafeteria staff and many, many more people critical to our successful operations. Teachers, media specialists, counselors and administrators are not eligible, as they are honored through other awards programs.  We’re on a mission to be the highest-performing school district in Georgia – and the district known for its contagious optimism and joy!  

2026-27 Support Staff Employees of the Year
ACTIVE Academies: Kathy Frost, front office and attendance clerk
Arnold Mill ES: Rylie Padgett, kindergarten paraprofessional
Avery ES: Rebecca Garrett, Special Education paraprofessional
Ball Ground ES STEM Academy: Kim Bishop, school nurse
Bascomb ES: Stephanie Metcalf, school records facilitator and registrar
Boston ES: Anna King, lead custodian
Carmel ES: Jose Delgado, custodian
Cherokee HS: David Rodriguez, technology specialist
Clark Creek ES STEM Academy: Patricia Millwood, School Nutrition manager
Clayton ES: Beth Davis, custodian
Creekland MS: Jodie Karston, technology specialist
Creekview HS: Addie Butler, principal's secretary
Dean Rusk MS: Robyn West, instructional lead strategist
E.T. Booth MS: Heather Kirby, Special Education paraprofessional
Etowah HS: Mike Skillman, lead custodian
Free Home ES: Laura Hall, Special Education paraprofessional
Freedom Middle School Mike Morris, head custodian
Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy: Ashley Boswell, school nurse
Hickory Flat ES: Beth Hurst, School Nutrition manager
Holly Springs ES STEM Academy: Cindy Reece, Special Education paraprofessional
Indian Knoll ES: Jill McCain, speech language pathologist
Johnston ES: Judith Torres Galvan, head custodian
Knox ES STEM Academy: Kelly Brown, principal's secretary
Liberty ES: Jenn Maloney, principal's secretary
Little River ES: Lisa Galindo, principal's secretary
Macedonia ES: Amanda Ray, bookkeeper
Mill Creek MS: Deborah Silberstein, school psychologist
Mountain Road ES: Miranda Batson, Special Education paraprofessional
Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy: Hayley Roberson, school secretary
R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy: Sarah Armbruster, academic success and family engagement coach
Ralph Bunche Preschool Center: Giselle Medina Custodio, Head Start family partner
River Ridge HS: Autumn Hamilton, instructional lead strategist
Sequoyah HS: Wendy Nicholls, principal's secretary
Sixes ES: Katie Mauldin, school nurse
Teasley MS: Frank Krupica, head custodian
Tippens EC: Tiffany Harbin, Special Education paraprofessional
Woodstock ES: Diego Patino Mendoza, lead custodian
Woodstock HS: Meredith Tongue, instructional lead strategist
Woodstock MS: Officer Keith McGaw, school police officer
CCSD Academics & Accountability: Sherry Hopkins, curriculum clerk
CCSD Financial Management: Kelli McAteer, division facilitator for internal audits
CCSD Human Resources: Emily Goss, executive director of staffing secretary
CCSD Safety & Security: Sherry Gohar, security monitor
CCSD School Leadership & Operations/Public Information: Lori Duffy, SLO chief's administrative assistant
CCSD Support Services: Roger Bailey, maintenance facility technician
CCSD Technology & Information Services: Michael Ishmael, network analyst II
CCSD Transportation: Shane Cowart, vehicle technician

A districtwide recognition ceremony is planned for November.  The event is made possible by generous donations from community partners including Presenting Sponsor, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; and Platinum Sponsors, Credit Union of Georgia and Timbers on Etowah.  Additional financial and in-kind sponsorship opportunities are available; interested businesses and organizations are encouraged to please contact Penny Dempsey at penny.dempsey@cherokeek12.net or 770.479.1871.

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