The Putnam County School District (PCSD) held its highly anticipated 2024 Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony on January 30, 2024, at Grace Fellowship in Palatka. This annual event serves as a tribute to the exceptional educators and staff who consistently go above and beyond in their dedication to providing a top-notch education for Putnam County students.
The ceremony, impeccably organized and executed, by PCSD’s Human Resource Department, followed a well-structured order of events.
Tonya Whitehurst, the Executive Director of Human Resources, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, setting the tone for an evening of appreciation and recognition. Then, Sandra Gilyard, the Putnam County School Board Chair, led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance and delivered an inspiring invocation, emphasizing the importance of the work being done within the school district.
Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County Schools, expressed pride in celebrating the positive impact of the honorees, their dedication, and care, stating, "I am proud to celebrate each of them. Congratulations." He then introduced the 2023 Putnam County Teacher of the Year, Katrina Feola, who emphasized the importance of acknowledging each other's contributions, as each nominee exemplifies outstanding commitment to their teams and the district as a whole.
The keynote address was delivered by Adrianna Swearingen, the esteemed 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year. Her words undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all those present, inspiring and motivating the audience.
The dedication of all nominees, including those for Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year, was acknowledged through a visually captivating slideshow presentation courtesy of the PCSD Communications Department. As each nominee was called to the front of the room the video of pictures and video played along with pre-recorded words of praise from each nominees Administrator. Dr. Rick Surrency and Sandra Gilyard presented each individual with their awards. Every nominee received a deafening applause as they walked back to their seats. A truly moving moment of the evening.
The highly anticipated moment of the evening arrived with the announcement of the 2024 PCSD Employees of the Year. Tonya Whitehust read an impressive resume of each of the winners which left the room captivated until the very moment she read the name. The excitement as each of the winners was called to the front was overwhelming. The evening concluded with closing remarks by Tonya Whitehurst, reiterating the significance of the occasion.
District Winners for 2024
Teacher of the Year: Ian Boze, Q.I. Roberts Jr-Sr High School
School Related Employee of the Year: Leslie Smith, Interlachen Jr-Sr High School
Department Related Employee of the Year: Alyse Crabtree, Administrative Office
Principal of the Year: Joe Theobold, Q.I. Roberts Jr-Sr High School
Assistant Principal of the Year: Michael Chaires, Palatka Jr-Sr High School
ESS Substitutes of the Year for 2024
Bessie Davis - Substitute of the Year for ESS, Central
Mary Stroman - Substitute of the Year for ESS, South
Laura Johns - Substitute of the Year for ESS, West
PCSD's 2024 Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony brought together 35 outstanding individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the students and families of Putnam County. The evening was a tribute to those who consistently go above and beyond for Putnam County's students and their families. The event highlighted the remarkable dedication and outstanding contributions of the honorees, who play a crucial role in shaping the future of the community.
We are PROUD to be PCSD!
Nominee for Principal of the Year
Joseph “Joe” Theobold - Q.I. Roberts Jr-Sr High School
Nominee for Assistant Principal of the Year
John “Michael” Chaires - Palatka Jr-Sr High School
Nominees for 2024 Teacher of the Year
Megan Richards - Browning Pearce Elementary
Dr. Marcia Parker - Crescent City Junior-Senior High
Debra Chao - Interlachen Junior-Senior High
Brooke Carpenter - James A. Long Elementary
Misty Hager - Kelley Smith Elementary
Karma Gibbs - Mellon Learning Center
Taylor Dykes - Melrose Elementary
Tasha Newbold - Middleton-Burney Elementary
Sheryl Brunke - Ochwilla Elementary
Brittany Johns - Palatka Junior-Senior High
Ian Boze - Q.I. Roberts Junior-Senior High
Katrina Hall - Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Elementary
Jennifer Debarros - William D. Moseley Elementary
Nominees for 2024 School and Department Related Employee of the Year
Brittney Pauken - Browning Pearce Elementary
Faith Thomas - Crescent City Junior-Senior High
Leslie Smith - Interlachen Junior-Senior High
Mylee Woods - James A. Long Elementary
Monica Keith - Kelley Smith Elementary
Hailey Deloach - Mellon Learning Center
Cortney Fraser - Melrose Elementary
Rachel Gomez - Middleton-Burney Elementary
Idalia Vega - Ochwilla Elementary
Kedric Wright - Palatka Junior-Senior High
Maradyth "Katy" Hall - Q.I. Roberts Junior-Senior High
Kim Roark - Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Elementary
Carrie Offord - William D. Moseley Elementary
Deanna "Alyse" Crabtree - Administrative Office
Priscilla Perry - CL Overturf District Center
Bruce Gordon - Department of Maintenance
Daryl Clark - Department of Transportation, Central
Jennifer Hall - Department of Transportation, South
Lori Stanfield - Department of Transportation, West
Link to additional Ceremony Pictures!
Link to a recording of the PCSD Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony 2024!
#ProudtobePCSD