ROCK HALL — Earlier this month, Dr. Karen Couch, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools, was out knocking on classroom doors, surprising teachers and support staff with balloons and flowers.
Her county tour with Supervisor of Human Resources Dan Hushion, principals and other members of the administrative team has been the opening act of this year's annual Kent County Public Schools awards celebration.
"This year's award recipients deserve to be recognized because of the significant contributions they've made in their school and in the district," Dr. Couch said. "Each one has helped our light shine brighter in the community and I appreciate them for their dedication to KCPS."
Each year, the schools name a Teacher of the Year, Support Employee of the Year and Promising Educator.
The school-based honorees then compete for the honor of Kent County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Support Employee of the Year and Promising Educator Award.
Those awards will be announced in a celebration at Kent County High School Thursday evening, March 30.
This year's school-based award winners are:
Galena Elementary School
Teacher of the Year — Mary Jessica McGee
Support Employee of the Year — Suzan Lovekin
H.H. Garnet Elementary School
Teacher of the Year — Laura Morrone
Support Employee of the Year — Theodosia Parker
Promising Educator — Jodi Bortz
Promising Educator — Taylor Johnston
Rock Hall Elementary School
Teacher of the Year — David Jachimowicz
Support Employee of the Year — Tracy Piasecki
Promising Educator — Brooke Joyner
Kent County Middle School
Teacher of the Year — Roberto Copeland
Support Employee of the Year — Chanelle Copper
Promising Educator — Tykeya Jones
Kent County High School
Teacher of the Year — Timothy Kelleman
Support Employee of the Year — Joann Miller
Central Office
Support Employee of the Year — Bethsheila Hunley