Schools Honor Supporting Cast

Wewahitchka Elementary School aide Janice Nelson may have earned the title of the Gulf School district's School Related Employee of the Year, but her achievement does not lessen the merits of her fellow honorees.

Those chosen by their peers as School Related Employees of the Year at the county's six public schools have demonstrated excellence in a variety of fields, from custodial work to accounts payable.

Many wear multiple hats, and all have earned the respect and admiration of their peers.

Brenda Fisher

Brenda Fisher is more than a Port St. Joe Elementary School food service worker.

Principal Melissa Ramsey described her as a "team player" and "mentor to many kids that need a role model."

During her five years with the elementary school, Fisher has performed daily duties, such as cooking and serving food, washing dishes and mopping floors, while also tackling a challenging second job.

As the director of the Washington Recreation Center summer program, Fisher supervises two adult assistants and six youth assistants.

She has also operated a highly successful after-school recreation program for the city of Port St. Joe.

City recreation director Mike Lacour, Fisher's immediate supervisor during her time with the after-school program, praised her dedication and professionalism.

"Besides being a joy to work with, Brenda is a take-charge person who has engaged the youth of our community with creative recreation ideas and personal attention to their needs."

Lacour credits Fisher's leadership with raising after-school program participation.

Freddie Davis

In describing her job responsibilities as a Port St. Joe Middle School custodian, Freedie Davis cited traditionally duties such as cleaning bathrooms and classrooms.

She closed by saying, "I do anything I can do."

Those who know Davis might call that an understatement.

During her five years with the district, Davis has been many things - a bus and lunch room substitute, full-time custodian and an aide to a student who required constant attention.

Principal Juanise Griffin, who has known Davis for many years, called her a "competent individual who has performed above and beyond the call of her duties in working with our county, administrators, teachers, staff and students."

As a custodian, Davis has taken great pride in the cleanliness of both Port St. Joe Middle and High schools, an attribute Griffin admires and appreciates.

Fellow honoree Carol Faison, the high school's administrative secretary, vouched for Davis' work ethic.

She called Davis "by far, one of the hardest workers I have ever known."

Carol Faison

Davis' hard work did not escape Faison.

Neither did Faison's hard work escape her Port St. Joe High School colleagues.

When recent budget cuts eliminated both the high school's secretary and assistant principal positions, Faison was forced to fly solo in the front office.

The 21-year school system veteran became responsible for all front-desk operations, including finding substitutes, calling for repairs, distributing payroll checks, recording discipline and handling walk-ins and phone calls.

By her colleagues' accounts, she has performed with grace and competence in this high-stress role.

"I sometimes wonder how she maintains her sanity in the midst of all the chaos, but she is always polite and professional," marveled media specialist Angel Barbee. "I've never heard her snap at anyone-even when I know she must feel overwhelmed.

Principal Duane McFarland called Faison "more than just a 'regular' secretary.'"

"I do not know what I would do without the expertise and insight that she provides me on a daily basis," said McFarland.

Faison was also the 2006 School Related Employee of the Year.

Pam Stiles

Not even a computerized cash register system could prevent Pam Stiles from performing her duties as Port St. Joe Middle/High School lunchroom cashier with verve.

"Pam has learned the system, shown tremendous fortitude, and an amazing amount of patience toward the students as they adjust to the fingerprint reading system," said Principal Pam Lister.

"After filling in for just one day for Pam on this system, I had a new-found appreciation for the excellent job she does."

Stiles has 14 years in the district and five years at the middle school.

In addition to her duties as cashier, Stiles also serves as a bus driver and works as a teacher's aide for a number of elementary school summer reading programs.

"She is always willing to help out above and beyond the call of her job title," said co-worker Julianne Carr. "Pam is always willing to take the trip that no other driver will take."

Lister agreed.

"Pam is a hard worker who does all she can to assist and support the educational program for our students."

Denise Veasey

As head custodian at Wewahitchka High, Denise Veasey is responsible for the look and maintenance of the entire school.

Veasey has been employed with the district for eight-and-a-half years, all at the high school.

English teacher Mark Arrant has known Veasey for seven years as a co-worker and parent. He applauded her work, both professionally and personally.

"She has proven herself to be capable and conscientious in both capacities and deserving of recognition or her efforts," said Arrant.

With Veasey at the helm, Arrant has witnessed a change for the better in the school's custodial management and appearance.

"Since becoming head custodian at Wewahitchka High School, she has put forth much effort to reorganize the custodial staff's operations and improve efficiency," said Arrant.

David White

The school maintenance department received a great asset when David White began his employment two-and-a-half years ago.

A skilled air conditioner and refrigeration man, carpenter and electrician, White previously owned his own business and has many years of  practical experience.

 He performs a variety of maintenance work for each of the county's public schools, and has earned the respect of his peers and supervisor, Greg Layfield.

"David cares about the schools, the system, and most importantly, he cares about the children in our schools," said Layfield.

Layfield recalled how White would call him after hours or on weekends to discuss problems needing attention at the school sites.

Co-worker Bruce Nixon has been impressed by White's commitment to his job and concern for the student population.

"Although he does not have direct contact with students, he shows concern for their education," said Nixon.

"He goes beyond his job requirement to assure that each school runs as smooth as possible."

Lenore Hall

With just over 24 years in the Wewahitchka Bus Barn, Lenore Hall is the honoree with the second most seniority, behind district winner Janice Nelson.

"Lee," as she is known by her colleagues, is a full-time bus driver and frequent target of bus barn pranks.

"Just about every day someone puts a plastic bug or snake somewhere near where she is sitting in the bus barn," said transportation coordinator Don Rich.

Rich credits Hall's good-natured response with helping "relieve the stress levels that are inherit with the job of being a bus driver."

Hall has maintained her reputation as a dependable bus driver even as she battled health problems.

An avid sports fan, Hall has volunteered to drive the bus on numerous field trips and has transported the track team, wrestling team and band to games and matches.

"She loves to watch the sports teams and is one of the first to be in the stands rooting them on!" said fellow honoree and bus driver Pam Stiles.

Rich offered one word to sum up Hall's long career: "Dedication."

Margaret Roberson

Working at the district office's accounts payable office, Margaret Roberson has frequently faced colleagues needing her assistance on very tight deadlines.

"The thing that has most impressed me about Margaret from day one is her willingness to stop whatever she is working on to help someone else," said superintendent Tim Wilder's secretary, Mary Lou Cumbie.

"Without fail, Margaret always assures me she will get it taken care of and she is as good as her word."

Roberson has been taking care of business for 19 years in the district, with the last seven in her current assignment.

Finance officer Sissy Worley described Roberson as a "valuable employee" and "team player, always ready to assist others with their duties."

Worley praised Roberson's greatwork ethic and noted her ability to work well with the public, as well as the district staff.

"She has always displayed a willingness to perform her job in a professional manner," Worley said.