Putnam County School District gathered to honor our exceptional Employees of the Year at a heartfelt breakfast celebration at the CLO Cafeteria. Joined by their administrators and directors, each honoree was recognized for their outstanding commitment and contributions to PCSD. This breakfast, catered by Peas and Carrots, marked a significant moment for these honorees, selected by their peers to represent excellence at each school or campus.
Throughout the event, administrators shared stories and words of admiration, describing each honoree's invaluable attributes and impact on their school communities. Many of these dedicated employees are “Products of Putnam,” alumni of PCSD who now give back to the very community that helped shape them. Their stories of dedication range from working tirelessly after hours to supporting students and families personally, embodying a sense of commitment that truly reflects the spirit of PCSD.
These employees are well-known and beloved by students and families, and their dedication often extends beyond their primary roles—some even serve in multiple capacities, such as the Assistant Principal of the Year who also drives a bus route. They are instrumental in cultivating a positive school culture, admired by their communities for their work ethic, selflessness, and dedication. Among the honorees are foster parents who open their homes to children, ensuring that their academic journeys remain uninterrupted within PCSD.
PCSD Human Resources Director Tonya Whitehurst celebrated the honorees with the words, “This is Putnam County School District,” as she motioned to the room, “You are what makes our district great. Don’t ever forget that.” Sarajean McDaniel also encouraged the group, urging each person to “celebrate yourself,” reminding them that the recognition they received from their administrators and peers is a testament to their hard work and impact.
Teacher of the Year Nominees 2024-25
Browning-Pearce Elementary: Chantay Mack
Crescent City Jr/Sr High School: Oscar Jaimes
Interlachen Jr/Sr High School: Brittani Phillips
James A. Long: Mandy Rigsby
Jenkins Jr. Elementary School: Allyson Anderson
Kelley Smith Elementary: Josie McDaniel
Mellon Learning Center: Kasey Walker
Melrose Elementary: Laura Hess
Middleton-Burney Elementary: Patricia Martinez
Moseley Elementary: Jodi Noel
Ochwilla Elementary: Vickie DuBois
Palatka Jr/Sr High School: Arielle Driggers
QI Roberts: Kala Davis
Support-Related Employee of the Year Nominees
Browning-Pearce Elementary: Erin Wilkinson
Crescent City Jr/Sr High School: Latina Hardy
Interlachen Jr/Sr High School: Michelle Johnson
James A. Long: Victoria Frauenhofer
Jenkins Jr. Elementary School: Briana Degeyter
Kelley Smith Elementary: Sarah Cooley
Mellon Learning Center: Ariel Perry
Melrose Elementary: Laurel Bartley
Middleton-Burney Elementary: Cassidy Swisher
Moseley Elementary: Michelle Stradling
Ochwilla Elementary: Cara Degeyter
Palatka Jr/Sr High School: Kristy Thomas
QI Roberts: Laura Moody
Maintenance: Jonathan Leavenworth
Transportation - Central: Byrdlou "Kim" Mack
Transportation - South: Jessica Brown-Warren
Transportation - West: Erika Clemons
CLO District Office: Madai Benitez
District Office: Alice Keith
Assistant Principal of the Year: Stephanie Reed, Middleton-Burney Elementary
Principal of the Year: Leah Lundy, Melrose Elementary
The honorees will come together once again on January 28, 2025, at Grace Fellowship, where the District will announce the overall winners who will represent PCSD at the state level. These incredible individuals, committed to our children’s success, embody our district’s mission of family and community. We are beyond proud of each honoree for the love, care, and excellence they bring to PCSD every day.
#ProudtobePCSD