The Employee of the Year program highlights contributions of non-teaching school employees who support the Employee of the Year education of our students in preschool through grade twelve. The overall purpose of the program is to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of our District’s outstanding school employees who are not eligible for recognition as a Teacher of the Year (TOTY). These employees are vital staff members who play key roles in creating a district and school environment that promotes our District’s vision and mission.

Teachers & Employees of the Year Celebration May 3^rd!

Join us virtually, on May 3^rd at 9 a.m., for a brief, live-streamed celebration as we honor the Paulding County School District’s 2022 Teachers & Employees of the Year.

Following the virtual event, the Paulding Education Foundation will host an in-person drop-in event at Piece of Heaven Bakery in Dallas from 9:30-noon, for photo opportunities and for Teachers and Employees of the Year to receive their plaques.

2022 EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

Christopher Chambers – Bus Driver, Transportation
Chris has been employed within our department 3 years this coming July 2022. He always wears a smile and steps up to help out when needed. He drives out of Abney & Moses and is a great asset to our department as well as the students of Paulding County.

Robin Gehr – Special Education Paraprofessional, SMMS

Mrs. Gehr is a tremendous person, advocate for children, and co-worker. She begins and ends every single day with a smile and a word of encouragement. She supports the students tirelessly in the classroom and is loved by them all. Her positivity and humor lights up the room. Her co-workers love working with her, and the students admire and respect her. SMMS is so blessed to have her part of the Wolfpack family.

Joseph Westmoreland – Facilities Lead, P.B. Ritch
Mr. Joe is one of our “original Ravens” because he helped open our doors to students in 2012. Our building is now 10 years old and we regularly receive compliments on how well the building is maintained this is a testament to his dedication and diligence to making sure we all have a clean and beautiful school. He regularly goes past what is expected of him in every situation. He shows kindness to all around him, both students and staff know they can count on him and recognize he is a “doer of all things” whether it is something in need of fixing or something in need of cleaning. Mr. Joe is also great with mentoring students in are need of extra guidance and students appreciate his wisdom. He is a team player who also participates in building spirit events and we cannot imagine our school without Mr. Joe. We are proud to have him receive the honor of Employee of the Year for the Paulding County School District!

Becky Hester – School Nutrition Assistant, SPHS

James Long – Assistant Director, NHEC
This year, Dr. Long focused on assisting the families and staff of PVA-MS during its inaugural year using a centralized model at NHEC. He also worked with leaders and staff at NHEC to support the other alternative education programs. His relationship with NHEC began with his doctoral study about how PVA-HS students experienced the transition from a traditional to a blended learning model. Before joining the NHEC staff, Dr. Long served in PCSD as a teacher (ES, HS, & Venture) and an assistant principal at McClure Middle School.

Julia Penate – Secretary, PCHS

Julia Penate has graciously served staff, teachers, and parents at Paulding County High School for the past 15 years. She has served the role of both Front Office Clerk and Athletic Director Secretary within that time helping to organize and facilitate a large variety of multi-level tasks. Julia is extremely hardworking, organized, proactive, flexible, and ambitious. She is methodical, well organized, prompt, accurate, and prepared. She exudes kindness, empathy, charisma, and consideration for others daily in every way. A primary example of these traits is her yearly ‘Cuban Cafecito Day’ in which she loves to share her Cuban heritage with us. (We are so extremely grateful that she does!) She brings in her large espresso maker and makes everyone Cuban coffee and brings in other Cuban sweet treats. This only exemplifies a tiny fraction of her thoughtfulness and spirit. We are so very lucky to have her as our own!

Christina Kennedy – Nurse Supervisor, District Support Services

Nursing has always been my passion. I was very interested in helping others from an early age and started working at a Geriatric facility in high school. I graduated from Nursing school 30 yrs. ago and started my career at WellStar Kennestone. Four children later I decided that I wanted to work with that age group, and it was a natural transition to begin that path within a school system. I have worked for the Paulding County School District for the last 19 years as a school nurse, lead nurse, and most recently nursing supervisor. I am very PROUD to have served this community which feels more like family and have been blessed to work with such wonderful caring supportive people.
It has truly been a privilege.