Pam Stewart Announces School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists

Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart announced the five finalists for the 2014 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year award on Tuesday.

According to a press release, the award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools and communities.

The finalists are:

• Debra Alvis-Greenwald, administrative assistant at Booker Middle School in Sarasota County Schools.
• James Lefko, food services manager at Bayshore Elementary School in Lee County Public Schools.
• Kathy Moresi, executive assistant for the Professional Learning Department at Florida Virtual School.
• Toni Padgett, career specialist at Fleming Island High School in Clay County Schools.
• Deloris Patterson, school secretary at Dr. Phillips High School Ninth-Grade Center in Orange County Public Schools.

Every person in a school system contributes to the success of its students, said Stewart. These important staff members are making a positive impact on the students they serve. I thank them for putting in the extra effort and I congratulate them for standing out among their colleagues.

The winner will be announced in late April and will be presented with $1,500 in cash and tickets to LEGOLANDFlorida. All finalists receive a $500 cash prize and tickets to LEGOLAND Florida.