Finalists Named for District 5 Support Employee of the Year

Lexington-Richland 5 has announced the three finalists for its 2013-2014 Support Employee of the Year award.

Finalists include: Kim Cash, a social worker at the Alternative Academy for Success; Kary Dufault, a social worker at CrossRoads Middle School; and Al Hoskins, facilities supervisor at Harbison West Elementary.

The Support Employee of the Year will be announced on May 23. 

District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “Our support employees play a vital role in making our schools great. We congratulate all of this year’s finalists and thank them for their dedication and hard work in making District Five a leader in education.” 

Cash has a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is a licensed master social worker and has served as a consultant for the Department of Social Services. “Everyone in a school impacts the lives of our children,” Cash said. “Each and every one of us brings opportunities, talents and strengths to ensure our children attend, participate and be the best learners they can be.” 

Dufault has a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and a master’s degree from California State University Sacramento. She is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Social Workers and has served as a school-based mental health counselor. Dufault said, “All support employees have an important role in the educational process of our students … like educators, we cherish and love each and every student and are committed to the academic, social, emotional and physical success of each student.” 

A graduate of Irmo High School, Hoskins has a bachelor’s degree from Francis Marion College and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He served in the U.S. Army for four years and the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Hoskins said, “It takes a team to build success. As a facilities supervisor, I am but one part of the team but an equal partner in working towards the district achieving its goal.” 

From Lexington-Richland 5's Office of Public Information