November 22, 2024
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
Four Rutherford County Schools employees were recognized by the Board of Education for their dedication to the district.
Launched earlier this year, the RCS Strong Outstanding Staff awards are sponsored by the Sonic Drive-In restaurants in Rutherford County. Winners in four categories – Transportation, Support Staff, Administration, and Teachers – are recognized at a Board of Education meeting each month.
The following employees were recognized at the board’s meetings on Nov. 12 and 14:
- Santana Mayhew; attendance, Rockvale High
- Judy Goodwin; principal, Barfield Elementary
- Dr. Mike Novak; teacher, Kittrell Elementary
- Toshua Brooks; driver, Bus 114
Chris Spraggins and Alan Scheuers — supervising partners with the local Sonic Drive-ins — presented gift cards to the employees.
Members of the public are invited to submit nominations via this online form, which is also available at www.rcschools.net. Names are entered into a random drawing.
Below are some of the comments provided on the nominations forms for the four most recent winners:
Santana Mayhew: “Santana is the attendance secretary at Rockvale High School! She is fantastic with the kids! From helping kids with late arrival to communicating with parents, she is always so patient and on top of things. My daughter is a senior and Ms. Mayhew has helped my daughter and me over the past four years countless times. She will be one of those happy, smiling faces that we miss at the high school after my daughter graduates! Sometimes the front staff doesn’t get the recognition they deserve and I’d love to see her recognized!!”
Judy Goodwin: “Judy Goodwin gives everything she has to Barfield and all who come inside! She is an amazing example for anyone!”
Dr. Mike Novak: “Dr. Novak is an amazing art teacher who always goes above and beyond for his coworkers and the students. He checks in with kids and make sure they’re doing OK. He has a group of students to come for an art club. He always jumps in to help out other teachers, (and) makes amazing artwork to display around the school building and inspires everyone every day.
Toshua Brooks: “She continues to go above and beyond for her students and parents. She is also by far the best special ed driver this county has. She goes above and beyond to make sure that her students are taken care of. She rewards her students for their good behavior. She communicates with all of her families and they communicate with her well.”
PHOTOS
Top: Pictured front row, from left, are Kittrell's Dr. Mike Novak, bus driver Toshua Brooks, Barfield Principal Judy Goodwin and board Vice Chairman Frances Rosales. Second row, from left, are board member Katie Darby, board member Caleb Tidwell, Alan Scheuers with Sonic, board Chairman Claire Maxwell, Chris Spraggins of Sonic, board member Tammy Sharp, Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan and board members Stan Vaught and Butch Vaughn.
Bottom: Pictured, from left, are Rockvale High Principal Steve Luker, Rockvale High attendance secretary Santana Mayhew and Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan.