Fair, 54°
Weather sponsored by:

Clay County educator honored with award and $10,000

Clay Today
Posted 5/23/18

LARGO, Fla. – The Clay County School District’s 2018 School-Related Employee of the Year has taken that same honor on the state level.

On May 16, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart named …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Don't have an ID?


Print subscribers

If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.

Non-subscribers

Click here to see your options for subscribing.

Single day pass

You also have the option of purchasing 24 hours of access, for $1.00. Click here to purchase a single day pass.

Clay County educator honored with award and $10,000


Posted

LARGO, Fla. – The Clay County School District’s 2018 School-Related Employee of the Year has taken that same honor on the state level.

On May 16, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart named Stephanie Melton, an exceptional student education behavioral health assistant at W.E. Cherry Elementary in Orange Park was named Florida’s 2018 School-Related Employee of the Year.

Stewart made the announcement during a State Board of the Education meeting held in Largo, four fellow finalists were also recognized.

Each of the finalists received $6,500, while Melton received $10,000.

“I am thrilled to recognize Stephanie Melton as the 2018 School-Related Employee of the Year,” Stewart. “Working full time while pursuing a degree in Education has not stopped her from finding time outside of the school day to help her students and their families. Her passion for meeting students’ individual needs is obvious, and she is truly deserving of this honor.”

Clay County School Superintendent Addison Davis said the statewide honor shows how Melton’s commitment to students does not stop at the classroom

“She represents the core values of our school district and is an exemplary educator. Ms. Melton has dedicated her life to teaching and changing the lives of students with special needs at school and in our community. I am honored to work alongside Ms. Melton, and I look forward to her continued success in the future,” Davis said.

Melton, a W.E. Cherry alum, has worked at the school for 10 years. During the eight years she has served in this position, she has demonstrated a commitment to honing her skills to meet students’ individual needs. For instance, she learned sign language to communicate better with non-verbal students.

Despite working two jobs and pursuing a postsecondary degree in Education, Melton makes time to support students and their families after school and on the weekends. She also assists local non-profit organizations in raising awareness about special needs. For eight years, she has organized the annual HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism; through her efforts, significant funds were raised and W.E. Cherry Elementary School received five iPads for ESE classrooms.

The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for their contributions to their schools and communities. Each school district and/or participating institution may nominate one school-related employee; from those submissions, five finalists are selected and one is named the School-Related Employee of the Year.