School-Related

Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart announced the five finalists for the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year. This program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to the students and families in their schools and districts. The statewide winner will be presented with a $5,000 cash prize at the annual awards breakfast on April 21 in Orlando.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year finalists,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “These individuals play an invaluable role in Florida students’ education journey by working alongside our teachers, school leaders and administrators and going above and beyond for our state’s families every day.”
The five finalists for the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year are listed below.
Alachua County – Eunice Johnson, Irby Elementary School
Eunice Johnson has been serving Alachua County students for nearly three decades. She currently works as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Classroom Paraprofessional. In that role, she develops individualized reading and math activities designed to meet specific needs of each student. Eunice volunteers extensively at her church and throughout the community, and she has been praised for ongoing generosity.
Pinellas County – David Melnick, Lake St. George Elementary School 
David Melnick is a Food Service Manager at Lake St. George Elementary School. During his tenure, he has changed the culture of Lake St. George with his leadership and concern for the students. Melnick created the Food Patrol Program, which enables students to assist with the cafeteria food preparation. According to the Pinellas County Superintendent, his principal and the school’s teachers, the program has helped motivate students to do better in school. 
Highlands County – Donna Peavy, Avon Park High School
Donna Peavy is the Media Paraprofessional at Avon Park High School. In this role, she manages the media center circulation desk, maintains the library and oversees the computer lab. Avon Park High School’s principal praised Peavy for “going above and beyond the call of duty” and making a difference in lives of her colleagues and students, adding that “everyone needs a ‘Mrs. Peavy’” in their lives.
Brevard County – Jamie Skinner, Ralph Williams Elementary School
As the Cafeteria Manager at Ralph Williams Elementary School, Skinner is an integral member of the school community. During Hurricane Matthew, Ralph Williams Elementary opened its doors as a special needs shelter. For three days, she slept at the school and volunteered her time, cooking for those in need.
Palm Beach County – Jane Winters, Beacon Cove Intermediate School
Jane Winters is the After School Site Director at Beacon Cove Intermediate School, where she has worked for the last 16 years. In addition to coordinating the after school care program, Winters initiated the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math program, she helped the school earn a grant to create the school garden and volunteers with the school’s student and parent organizations.
More information about the School-Related Employee of the Year Program is available here.