Clarke County School District Names Teacher and Paraprofessional of the Year

By Anisa Sullivan Jimenez

Fourth grade Whitehead Road Elementary School teacher Aaron Jongko has been named the 2013-14 Clarke County School District Teacher of the Year. He was recognized today during the school district’s annual Teacher of the Year at Trumps Catering’s South Milledge location. At the luncheon, Valerie Hendry, paraprofessional at J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School, was recognized as District Paraprofessional of the Year. 

“Our teachers and paraprofessionals are the ones who make it happen each and every day in our classrooms,” said Superintendent Philip D. Lanoue. “They believe in our kids, have high expectations and expect only the best from themselves and their students. We have reached new levels of achievement in Clarke County because of the dedication shown throughout our district, represented so well by today’s honorees.” 

For being named the school district’s Teacher of the Year, Jongko also received the $750 Mae Whatley Teacher of the Year Award from the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education in Clarke County. Hendry received the $500 Janis J. Stephens Paraprofessional of the Year Award. In addition, luncheon sponsor Peach State Federal Credit Union presented Jongko with $500 and their first-ever Crystal Apple award. 

Jongko was selected as one of three finalists following a written application process. The other finalists were Lori Slover (Whit Davis Elementary School) and Shannon Thompson (Stroud Elementary School). The selection committee – made up of Foundation for Excellence Executive Director C.J. Amason, Georgia United Credit Union District Director Bill Bland, CCSD Director of Public Relations and Communications Anisa Sullivan Jimenez, 2012-13 District Teacher of the Year Steve Piazza and Athens Technical College Executive Vice President Dr. Dan Smith – observed and interviewed the three finalists. 

When asked about his views on teaching, Jongko said, “Enthusiasm is contagious. Ideas are contagious. Most of all, commitment is contagious. There is an idea around here that if we are in this we’re in this together and a school full of educators determined to do what’s best for children simply cannot be stopped.” 

Lanoue presented both of the district awards at the luncheon, and noted that Jongko would also be recognized by the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce for being named Teacher of the Year. 

The District Paraprofessional of the Year was chosen following a written application process. Winner Hendry remarked in her application, “Working together as a team is critical in order to meet each student’s needs. By working together, we can maximize the student’s success by providing an instructional program designed to meet the needs of each individual student.” 

The full list of honorees is as follows:

2013 Teachers of the Year 

Alps Road Elementary School - Donna Moseley
Barnett Shoals Elementary School - Ramona Camp
Barrow Elementary School - Carrie Yawn
Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School - Helene Halstead
Cedar Shoals High School - Kerry Hogan
Chase Street Elementary School - Christopher Sugiuchi
Clarke Central High School - Tiffani Knight
Clarke Middle School - Amy Rejmer
Classic City High School - Dr. James Maudsley              
Cleveland Road Elementary School - Laura Allen
Coile Middle School - Aaron Stinson
Fowler Drive Elementary School - Harriett Harvin
Gaines Elementary School - Jamie Anderson
Hilsman Middle School - Pamela Stratton
J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School - Emily Goodin
Oglethorpe Elementary School - Julie Hinkle
Stroud Elementary School - Shannon Thompson
Timothy Elementary School - Shatana Williams
Whit Davis Elementary School - Lori Slover
Whitehead Road Elementary - Aaron Jongko
Winterville Elementary School - Beverly Taylor          

2013 Paraprofessionals of the Year 

Alps Road Elementary School - Aisha Atkins
Barnett Shoals Elementary School - Tamera Stephens
Barrow Elementary School - Melissa Wilson
Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School - Monica Huff  
Cedar Shoals High School - Melissa Bishop
Chase Street Elementary School - Sherri Scott
Clarke Central High School - Allison Mustard
Clarke Middle School - Katherine Byrne
Cleveland Road Elementary School - Martha Mowrer
Coile Middle School - Edward Albert
Fowler Drive Elementary School - Freda Sims
Gaines Elementary School - Sonya Welch
Hilsman Middle School - Betty Fanning
J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School - Valerie Hendry
Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School - Paige Watson
Stroud Elementary School - Susan Virkler
Timothy Road Elementary School - Tiffany Cato
Whit Davis Elementary School - Sete Bowker
Whitehead Road Elementary School - Elizabeth Moore
Winterville Elementary School - Lisa Pyfrom