School district staff feted at “carnival” awards event Friday

Maricopa Unified School District recognized the outstanding efforts of staff members at a carnival -style event Friday evening at Maricopa Elementary School’s multi-purpose room.

Following the awards segment, district staffers dined on hot dogs, popcorn and other “carnival” fare. Rather than have a formal, sit-down banquet this year, organizers opted to have an informal event where staff members could actually visit with a larger number of their colleagues.

Game booths (with prizes) like ring toss and balloon darts lined the hall, and goodie bags were handed out to those attending the event. New Human Resources Director Heidi Fawcett chaired the event, assisted by many volunteers and staff members who decorated, organized and set up the booths.

Staff members were recognized for at least five years in the district, including 20 or even 40 years of service.

Other winners, nominated by their colleagues, in various categories were:

Certified Employees of the Year (Sponsored by O’Malley Group), recognizes the outstanding instruction, participation and professional growth of one teacher from each campus in the district:

Jayme Amick
Amy Hogenes
Shannon Hull
Jeanne Miles
Jen Miller
Cassie Nunes

Classified Employees of the Year (Sponsored by Gilleland and Brubaker Architects), recognizes outstanding achievements by a member of the classified staff in the district:

Mary Kay Hazy
Maria Hernandez
Greg Huffman
Jennifer Janiec
Pat Miller
Nevar Mitchell

Special Service Awards (Sponsored by Wholesale Floors Inc.), given to staff members, either certified or classified, who perform “above and beyond” their job requirements. Nominated individuals have been responsible for original suggestions, developments or major improvements in methods, organization or procedures in the district:

Cindy Barzilla
Diane Dreis
Marta Garcia
Kathy Oldfield
Larry Peterson
Mike Thomas

Rookie of the Year Awards (Sponsored by AZ School Furnishings), awarded to staff members, certified or classified, who are in their first full year of employment with the district and have made a great impact. Nominated individuals should exemplify some or all of the following traits: positive attitude, strong work ethic, reliability, responsibility, integrity, teamwork, and/or innovation:

Mark Busch
Jennifer Kraus
Denise Palmer
Robyn Rice
Kelly Tassone

Leading the Way (Sponsored by McCarthy), given to certified or classified staff members who have “led the way” in their position. Nominated individuals have been leaders or mentors among their peers, have taken time to organize and follow through with a project, or as department heads are consistently striving for excellence:

Kathy Drum
Rachele Reese
Lena Sewell

Distinguished Service (Sponsored by The Mahoney Group), awarded to a certified or classified staff member who has completed at least seven years of service in the district and has a long history of outstanding achievements:

Joyce King
Thad Miller
Shannan White

The staff recognition event has been a district tradition for approximately 10 years, and it will continue into the 2007-2008 school year.