Greenville County Schools and Greenville Federal Credit Union announced the recipients of the Greenville County Schools Employee of the Year Awards at this year’s Salute to Education banquet.
Winners were selected in six categories: School Support, Operations, District Support, Assistant School Administrator, District Professional, and School Administrator. 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
Cedric Brockman, Paraprofessional. West Greenville School
Cedric Brockman serves not only as a paraprofessional at West Greenville School, but also as a bus driver for the students he serves. He has trained other bus drivers about how to handle both disciplinary issues as well as incorporate positive behavior rewards for students. He serves on the school’s crisis response team, handling student interventions with the utmost respect and dignity. He has begun teaching students about career skills, such as small engine repair and the mechanical workings of bicycles, as they prepare for a future beyond high school. As a licensed barber, Mr. Brockman gives students haircuts to let them know someone cares about them. He has a great rapport with students, building strong relationships that have led to a high level of trust.
Operations Employee of the Year
Mary Buie, Cafeteria Manager, Woodland Elementary School
“Miss Mary” is described as compassionate, humorous, and humble, and she is a mighty force in the Woodland Elementary cafeteria. She takes time to listen to the children’s stories, their celebrations, and their worries. She has helped feed and clothe families, assist students with counseling, and find ways to provide scholarships for field trips. She loves the staff equally well, providing laughter along with a solid dose of reality. She even writes poetry for staff as gifts that touch their hearts.
District Professional Employee of the Year
Michelle King, Program Facilitator, Instructional Technology
Michelle King’s work in leading the district’s technology proficiency efforts impacts the entire district. One of Michelle’s strengths is her ability to launch a massive effort behind the scenes in conducting events such as the Upstate Technology Conference. She begins planning months in advance so the district can provide the best experience possible for teachers. She also plans and facilitates Personalized Learning Academies for schools receiving Chromebooks, and she places Refresh orders for schools to have the updated technology and hardware they need to serve students. Not only is she a great resource for the Instructional Technology team, but she makes sure every employee feels a part of the team.
District Support Employee of the Year
B.J. Lindley, Secretary for School Counseling Services and Sirrine Scholarship
BJ Lindley has a servant’s heart. She always seeks to assist others and provide stellar customer service for parents, students, staff, community, or a board member. Whether it is processing awards nominations, scheduling candidate screenings, or assisting more than 220 school counselors, BJ has accepted every challenge with enthusiasm and diligence. Without a doubt, Mrs. Lindley has been a key participant in the improvements and success of long-standing programs such as the Sirrine Scholarship program, which requires her to communicate with students, parents, and college financial aid offices. Due to her efforts, the Greenville County College Fair has grown to include over 3,000 students annually. In all of her actions, it is clear that Mrs. Lindley cares deeply for our students.
School Administrator of the Year
Charlie Mayfield, Principal, J. L. Mann High Academy
J.L. Mann High Academy Principal Charlie Mayfield has a gift for motivating others and helping students achieve high expectations. He keeps a pulse on what is happening throughout the building without micromanaging. The trust and autonomy he gives employees allows them to excel at their jobs. Since coming to Mann, the school has added an after-school tutoring program, a bus program to take magnet students home following after-school activities, and rigorous academic programs such as Accelerate, New Tech at Mann, and AP Capstone Diploma. The school’s graduation rate has increased 20 percent over the past five years and the magnet program has a waiting list. Most recently, JL Mann was named a Palmetto’s Finest Finalist due to Mr. Mayfield’s efforts.
Assistant School Administrator of the Year
Tina Bishop, Assistant Principal, J.L. Mann High Academy
This amazing high school assistant principal has made a lasting mark on the culture of J. L. Mann High Academy. She was instrumental in developing a new tardy policy that resulted in a 70 percent reduction in tardies. She works with the senior class to improve the graduation rate, which reached an all-time high above 90 percent last year. Mrs. Bishop makes teachers feel recognized and appreciated by writing thank you notes and putting sweet treats in their boxes. She ensures that substitute teachers feel welcome by making sure they have everything they will need for the day, including lesson plans and attendance rosters.