Six Staff Members Named GCS Employees of the Year
Greenville County Schools and Greenville Federal Credit Union announced the winners of the Greenville County Schools Employee of the Year Awards at last night’s Salute to Education banquet.
Winners were selected in six categories: School Support Employee of the Year, District Support Employee of the Year, Operations Employee of the Year, Assistant School Administrator of the Year, School Administrator of the Year, and District Professional Employee of the Year. Each award winner received $500 cash and a special award commissioned by Greenville Federal Credit Union. Their school or department also received $500 cash so all employees can share in the honor.
School Support Staff Employee of the Year
Maxi Farnsworth, Media Clerk, Sterling School
This exceptional employee has made it her life to improve students’ love for reading. Maxi created a Read Cycle book swap where students can bring in their old books and trade for a new one. Her knowledge of resources makes it easy for teachers to call on her to improve their lessons with technology integration and overall planning and instruction. Maxi stays connected after school by participating in many extracurricular activities, including coordinating a birthday party for a student who is fighting cancer.
District Support Employee of the Year
Amanda Enfinger, Accounting Specialist, District Finance Department
Described as a natural problem solver, Amanda consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that all locations have what they need. She serves as the lead trainer for schools and departments in monitoring their budget expenditures. She also serves as Lawson financial trainer, traveling to each school to help new hires in their own environment. Amanda reviews all district credit card purchases, monitoring to ensure procedures are followed. She extends a helping hand without hesitation, and does it with kindness and patience.
Operations Employee of the Year
Steve McRae, Custodian/Groundskeeper, Slater-Marietta Elementary School
Every school should have a Steve McRae. He not only finds time in the day to complete his tasks while assisting teachers and others, but he also finds time to tutor a student needing help with multiplication tables. During his break or while waiting in the afternoon car line, Steve can be found tutoring the student and helping him achieve his potential. Another fun fact about Steve is that employees say they love his positive attitude and the happy tunes he hums and sings throughout the day.
Assistant School Administrator of the Year
Emily Gerard, Assistant Principal, Paris Elementary School
Emily has a self-imposed early morning shift which begins before 7 AM each day. Her days are spent working with teachers on instruction, handling student discipline, and communicating with parents. She has earned the trust of the faculty and staff, and is diligent in her efforts to cultivate trust with the entire school community. Ms. Gerard keeps the school focused on a safe and healthy environment, including leading Paris in the Safe Kids, Safe Schools Initiative.
School Administrator of the Year
Michael Delaney, Principal, Carolina High and Academy
Mr. Delaney acts with unwavering dedication to the students and families of Carolina High and Academy. He is a mentor, advisor, and father figure to all of his students. He makes home visits when they miss school. He writes thank-you notes and tutors students. Seniors take a pact to graduate when they sign their names in silver pen on a custom-made graduation gown at the beginning of the year. Mr. Delaney has fostered partnerships with United Way, Junior Achievement, the Greenville Zoo, and Greenville Hospital System, to name a few, that bring community leaders into the school to provide authentic learning experiences for students. He’s changing the culture of Carolina High and doing “Whatever It Takes!” to see students achieve.
District Professional Employee of the Year
Leroy Hamilton, Director of School Administrative Support, GCS Central Office
In his 40-plus years with Greenville County Schools, Leroy has served as teacher, social worker, administrative assistant, principal, executive director, education construction liaison, assistant superintendent, and interim deputy superintendent. He has the ability to see the big picture in every position he holds. His attention to detail and problem-solving abilities make him the go-to person to solve a school or district-level problem. Recognized for taking copious notes and thoroughly investigating a situation, his attention to detail is unmatched. Leroy guided Hillcrest High through the growing pains of an overcrowded building into a new state-of-the-art facility; he led the meticulous process of naming Bell’s Crossing Elementary School to reflect the area’s rich history; and he assisted the district with one of the largest school construction projects in the nation.