Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Recognition took center stage Feb. 17 in the Elmore County Board of Education boardroom in Wetumpka, as officials honored the district’s Support Staff of the Year and Child Nutrition Program Employee of the Year.
Loukisha Brooks, senior coordinator of administrative services and curriculum, was present during the meeting but had to leave before the presentation of the thirteen honorees. In her absence, Shay Jackson, director of administrative services, presented the awards on her behalf, recognizing employees for their dedication and service to the district.
“We all know a school’s success goes beyond the classroom walls,” Jackson said. “It takes a village to run a school. While we have always recognized Teacher of the Year, I’m excited to honor our Support Staff of the Year for the first time at this board meeting. From bus drivers and child nutrition workers to instructional and special education aides, their hard work does not go
unnoticed. Without them, our schools would not be successful.”
Support Staff of the Year Honorees:
Emily King- CES- PreK Auxiliary
Vivian Jones- ARIS- Special Ed. Parapro
Cindy Houlton- EES- Secretary and Registrar
Rachel Murray- RES- Special Ed. Parapro
Cheryl Smoke- WES- SPED Para
Brittaney Andres- EMS- Bookkeeper
Hope Harris- HMS- SPED Parapro
Stephanie Baltzell- MMS- SPED Parapro
Katie Dennis- RMS- Sped Aide
Amber Tucker- ECHS- SPED Parapro
Amy Albritton- Edge- Registrar/Bookkeeper
Lulu Westbrook- SEHS- Attendance Secretary
Jamie Johnson-WHS- CNP Manager
After the Support Staff of the Year recipients were recognized, Cacyce Davis took a moment to
honor one of her standout Child Nutrition Program employees.
“It is my honor to recognize Norine Williams,” said Davis, child nutrition director. Williams, a team member at Wetumpka High School, was named the Alabama School Nutrition Association Employee of the Year.
Calling it a statewide honor, Davis said the district is “extremely proud” of Williams and her commitment to students.
“Ever since she joined our team in Elmore County, she always had a smile on her face,” Davis said. “Many of the students warmly refer to her as ‘Grandma,’ which speaks to the relationships she builds.
She is committed to our program year-round during the school year, throughout the summer, and even on evenings and weekends.”
Davis added that Williams played an instrumental role in helping transition operations back to Wetumpka High School this year and credited her teamwork with CNP manager Jamie Johnson.
Williams was honored this weekend at the Renaissance in Montgomery during a banquet recognizing her achievement.
Superintendent Richard Dennis commended Williams and other employees who continue to go above and beyond their duties.
“We’ve had a lot of people who have stepped up and done a great job,” Dennis said. “We appreciate their efforts and will continue to support them.”
The meeting highlighted the essential contributions of support staff and child nutrition employees in ensuring that Elmore County schools run smoothly. From behind-the-scenes tasks to daily interactions with students, their dedication ensures the district’s success.
As Superintendent Richard Dennis noted, these recognitions are a reminder that every role matters,
and the impact of these employees extends far beyond the classroom walls
