Harford School Employees Named 2019 Support Services Superstars

BEL AIR, MD — Harford County Public Schools today announced the recipients of the 2019 Support Services Superstar Award. The program, sponsored by Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union, recognizes support staff employees who, among other attributes, have demonstrated exemplary performance, acted as a positive role model and played a part in designing or implementing new processes within the district.

The 2019 recipients are:

• Jennifer Brazil, administration support technician – Reading, English, and Language Arts Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
• Jessica Brazil, administrative support technician – school counseling, Fallston Middle School.
• Paula Dalton, custodian I - shift 2, Bel Air Elementary School.
• Sherry Dowell, paraeducator - special education, North Harford Middle School.
• Lori Gohlinghorst, administrative support specialist – Professional Development, alternative education program at the Center for Educational Opportunity.
• Lauren Harper, paraeducator - special education, Harford Technical High School.
• Kathleen Houston, administration support specialist - curriculum, Harford Glen.
• Deborah “Deb” Johnson, paraeducator - special education, Patterson Mill Middle School.
• Traci Kivinski, paraeducator - special education (CSP), Joppatowne Elementary School.
• Jennifer Langrehr, paraeducator - special education, John Archer School.
• Pamela Lopez, paraeducator - special education, Forest Hill Elementary School.
• Jennifer Marchsteiner, administrative support technician - background technician, human resources.
• Carmeline Messenger, paraeducator, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School.
• Barbara Mortus, inclusion helper - special education, Church Creek Elementary School.
• Laura Wade, administrative support technician - school counseling, student services.

Nominations for the award were accepted in September. A panel of judges then reviewed all nominations submitted and compiled a list of finalists to recommend to the school superintendent. Winners were selected for demonstrating at least one of the following criteria:

• Exemplary performance, outstanding achievements or accomplishments.
• Exemplary role model to include outstanding customer service, collaboration and positive attitude.
• Cost savings or ideas that contribute to increased efficiency.
• Design and implementation of new systems or processes.

The winners were notified during a surprise office visit and check presentation on Education Support Professionals Day Nov. 20.

All HCPS regular support staff employees who have successfully completed one year of continuous service with the district were eligible for the annual award. Winners received $200 each, and their supervisors were gifted $100 to host a celebration for the recipient at their work location.

See photos of each winner online.