REDOT Awards Presented

REDOT Awards Presented County Schools Employees Recognized For Exemplary Service

Rockbridge teachers, administrators, and staff were recognized with awards at the March meeting of the school board.

“REDOT (Rockbridge Employees Doing Outstanding Things) awards are given out three times during the year,” Rick Bain, supervisor of human resources for the division, told The News-Gazette.

Nominations are made by other staff members, and the winners are recognized in their schools and in front of the School Board.

“REDOT is open to all staff members who are nominated for a wide variety of different reasons, such as working with students, colleagues, or simply for being a wonderful person,” Bain said.

“From this list of awardees we had the opportunity to recognize the maintenance, transportation, food service, administration, office support and our instructional departments,” he said.

Though the awards program is fairly new, Bain said that is has been a success with teachers and staff.

“REDOT started a little over two years ago and is something we really enjoy because we get to celebrate the wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to helping the students and families of Rockbridge County Public Schools.”

Five Natural Bridge Elementary employees were recognized: Martha Dudley, Tiffany Crookshanks, Lacey Lynch, Morgan White and Melanie Hickman.

Martha Dudley was recognized, “For her dedication and service to students of Natural Bridge Elementary,” Bain said. “She is the perfect example of an educator who continues to learn and grow, right along with her students.”

Of Tiffany Crookshanks, Bain said, “Tiffany is always willing to lend a hand to provide additional support to students and staff. When presented with difficult situations, she always intervenes and perseveres.”

Lacey Lynch was nominated for her commitment to providing students with new experiences. “She is sincere in wanting each child to feel empowered by encouraging and challenging them to try new things.” said Bain.

Morgan White was nominated “because she is creative and hardworking, she holds our school family together with her welcoming smile and friendly nature.”

Natural Bridge Elementary principal Melanie Hickman was also nominated. “She is an amazing principal,” said Bain. “She is always on the go, helping someone. She does above and beyond, every single day.”

From Central Elementary, Lisa Keesee was recognized. “Lisa is always going above and beyond with our school and students,” said Bain. “[She] and the reading specialist team always participate in One School One Book, and it’s a way to get the whole student body engaged.”

The Mountain View Elementary nominees were Heather Mayes and Karlan Saunders.

Mrs. Mayes is passionate and devoted to our students,” said Bain. “Student growth in social-emotional skills, life skills and academic skills is her priority for all students.”

“Karlan is an exceptional teacher,” he said. “She may be young, but she is driven to help students succeed and is consistently thinking of how she can modify her lessons to meet the needs of her students.”

Three people from Fairfield Elementary were recognized, Jean Little, Haley Roberts and Dawn Martin.

Of Little, Bain said: “Miss Little consistently works hard and shows up every day with a smile on her face, ready for our students. Miss Little is often pulled in many directions but always puts forth her best effort to complete professional obligations in a timely manner.”

Roberts was nominated for her work with the fifth grade. “Haley took over as a fifth grade teacher after the mid-year departure of the former teacher,” Bain told the board.

“She graciously taught the class for several weeks and spent an additional two weeks with the new hire making sure the transition was smooth.”

Of Martin, Bain said, “Dawn is always willing to do anything asked of her, she goes above and beyond for our students. For example, she delivered Thanksgiving meals on her day off, in the rain, to ensure that families had a great holiday meal.”

From Maury River Middle School, Sarah Hockman was nominated. “Sarah has always made special connections with students,” Bain said, noting that, “I see the students excited about learning.”

Deborah Wright, from Rockbridge County High School was recognized.

“Debbie has built an amazing nurse aid program through the years, always going above and beyond for students,” Bain said. “She consistently prepares her students to pass the CNA exams in an effort to provide them with the opportunity to start a career in nursing.”

Also from Rockbridge County High School were Amanda Grimm and Ashlee Payne.

“Amanda goes above and beyond in everything she does,” Bain said of Grimm. “She is eager to help students, teachers and community members in any way possible.”

“Miss Payne worked with learners who needed to take the English Learning SOL to graduate,” he said. “She invested her time and energy to make sure these learners could be successful.”

Finally, three employees from the division’s central office were recognized: Mallory Bane, Kelley Cox and David Lilly.

“Mallory comes to work each day with a smile on her face and a positive attitude,” Bain said. “She does a fantastic job of talking to candidates who are coming in the office.”

Cox was nominated for her work as supervisor of food services. “Watching Kelly step into the role of supervisor of food service this year has been exciting,” said Bain. “I’m always impressed by how she looks out [for] those she leads and even looks out for those who are leading her.”

Of Lilly, Bain said: “David works hard every day and takes pride in everything he does. He dedicates himself to make sure the job gets done at our schools.”