Five finalists have been selected for the district’s School Related Employee of the Year Award from 34 candidates.The award recognizes non-teaching staff such as paraprofessionals, registrars, and technicians.Finalists include Alexandra Suarez, Jennifer Bates, Raquel Symonette, Sharon Jackson, and Tyler Fulton.The winner will be announced in a surprise ceremony at their school on November 17.
The annual School Related Employee of the Year Award is designated to reward employees who serve as teacher aides, school librarians, bus drivers, secretaries, food service staff, custodians and paraprofessionals.
Finalists for the award were selected by a committee of educators, administrators, and community members. This year there were 34 candidates.
The winner will be named in a surprise to their school on Monday, Nov. 17.
Here are the five finalists for the district’s School Related Employee of the Year Award:
Alexandra Suarez
Alexandra Suarez is a paraprofessional at Conley Elementary School with nine years of experience in the district.
She is responsible for supporting classroom activities and teaching students whose primary language is not English.
“Mrs. Suarez goes above and beyond by performing other duties that come about on a daily basis. She will always step up and fill in with any need we have at any time. She makes her students feel accepted and her connections with her students make it easier for students to come to school each day,” Conley Principal Ben Threadgill wrote in his nomination letter.
Jennifer Bates
Jennifer Bates is the registrar at DeSoto Trail Elementary School. She is responsible for managing student data, attendance verification and enrollment.
She’s been employed by the district for six years and has worked in her current role for four years.
Her colleagues say she is proactive, dedicated and caring.
“I believe Jennifer Bates deserves any accolade that highlights the numerous contributions she makes to DeSoto Trail Elementary School. She is honest, dependable, and works well with others,” DeSoto Trail Principal Michelle Keltner wrote in her nomination letter.
Raquel Symonette
Raquel Symonette is a paraprofessional at Sabal Palm Elementary School. She is responsible for providing additional support to students in math and English through small group and individual interventions.
She has worked at Sabal Palm for two years.
Her colleagues say she is committed, professional and supportive.
“Ms. Raquel Symonette embodies the qualities that Sabal Palm Elementary School seeks in its faculty. Her contributions to literacy-based activities, her positive relationships with the school community, and her dedication to making schools safer are commendable,” Sabal Palm Principal Latoyer Hankerson wrote in her nomination letter.
Sharon Jackson
Sharon Jackson is an ESE paraprofessional at Gretchen Everhart School. She is responsible for establishing learning plan goals, providing instruction to students and supporting students in their medical needs.
She has worked at the school and for the district for 20 years.
Her colleagues say she is hardworking, compassionate and calm in nature.
“Over the 20 years of her employment with our school, Ms. Sharon Jackson has worked with all ages of students from elementary to students who are 22 years old and has done an excellent job in all situations. Students and staff love to work with her,” Gretchen Everhart Principal Jane Floyd Bullen wrote in her nomination letter.
Tyler Fulton
Tyler Fulton is the computer support technician at Roberts Elementary School. His responsibilities include implementing new school technology, keeping inventory of Chromebooks and other equipment, and managing the upkeep of campus technology.
He has worked with the district and at Roberts for two years.
His colleagues say he is interpersonal, a team player, and enthusiastic.
“Tyler Fulton exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding school-related employee, dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. His contributions have strengthened our school community in countless ways, and his positive influence is felt by students, staff and families alike,” Kim McFarland, Roberts Elementary principal wrote in her nomination letter.
Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3.Â