The Putnam County School District proudly hosted the 2025 Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony on January 28, 2025, at Grace Fellowship in Palatka. This annual event is a cherished tradition, celebrating the educators and staff who exemplify excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Tonya Whitehurst, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an inspiring night. Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency addressed the audience, commending the outstanding contributions of the nominees and emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future of Putnam County students.
"The Employee of the Year ceremony is a time of celebration for all the people who worked so hard for our students," Dr. Surrency stated. "I’m so proud of all the winners and all the ones who were nominated. It truly shows the high level of excellence of the people who work in the Putnam County School District."
PCSD's Teacher of the Year last year, Ian Boze, spoke to each of the nominees, offering encouragement and excitement. He played a vital role in celebrating their achievements and had the honor of introducing Jaime Suarez.
A special highlight of the event was a keynote speech from Jaime Suarez, the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year. She inspired all attendees with her message about the Power of a Teacher. Here are some of her memorable quotes from the presentation:
"Every day, in every school, every Florida student has a teacher as good as the best teacher any of us ever had."
"We CAN change the trajectory of a student’s life."
Throughout the event, nominees for Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Support-Related Employees of the Year were recognized. A visually engaging slideshow, produced by the PCSD Communications Department, played as each nominee was introduced with pre-recorded commendations from their administrators. As each honoree received their award, the audience responded with applause, reflecting the deep appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
The most anticipated moment of the evening arrived with the announcement of the 2025 Putnam County School District Employees of the Year. Tonya Whitehurst captivated the audience with the impressive accomplishments of each recipient before announcing their names, building excitement until the final moment of recognition.
District Winners for 2025
Teacher of the Year: Arielle Driggers, Palatka Jr-Sr High School
School-Based Support-Related Employee of the Year: Michelle Stradling, Moseley Elementary
Department-Based Support-Related Employee of the Year: Erika Clemons, Transportation - West
Principal of the Year: Leah Lundy, Melrose Elementary
Assistant Principal of the Year: Stephanie Reed, Middleton-Burney Elementary
Spotlight on Our Honorees:
Putnam County School District Teacher of the Year: Arielle Driggers, Palatka Jr-Sr High School Ms. Driggers is celebrated for her ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds through empathy, active listening, and a student-centered approach. Her colleagues describe her as a natural leader who is deeply invested in both the school and community, excelling in data analysis, instructional strategies, and fostering meaningful relationships that empower students to succeed.
School-Based Support-Related Employee of the Year: Michelle Stradling, Moseley Elementary Mrs. Stradling is known for going above and beyond to create a safe and engaging learning environment. She is always eager to assist and leads by example, demonstrating resourcefulness, determination, energy, and unwavering dedication. Her impact on both students and colleagues is immeasurable, making her an indispensable asset to the PCSD family.
Department-Based Support-Related Employee of the Year: Erika Clemons, Transportation - West Ms. Clemons is recognized for her selflessness, compassion, and dedication. A leader in her community and an advocate for students, she serves as a bridge between parents and schools. As one of her administrators shared, “Although she is short in stature, she walks tall and believes every voice matters.”
As the evening concluded, Tonya Whitehurst reiterated the significance of the occasion, stating, "It’s a true honor to celebrate the incredible efforts made in our district daily by our administrators, teachers, and support staff! I often remind our employees that, no matter the role they serve, each one of them is part of a family with a shared mission: to care for and educate our students. This year's nominees demonstrate dedication, passion, enthusiasm, and, most of all, a true commitment to our students."
The 2025 Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony was an unforgettable night of appreciation, inspiration, and celebration. PCSD is beyond proud of each nominee and winner for their contributions to the district’s mission of fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students.
Pictures of the event HERE!
Video of the event HERE! (Coming Soon!)
We are #ProudtobePCSD!