Every year, the Cobb County School District recognizes staff who play key roles in school operations through its Classified Employees of the Year awards. This year’s recipients were honored at a luncheon at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, with Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and Board of Education members presenting awards.
“We do this to recognize you. You are being recognized because your peers have placed you in this room to be honored,” said Superintendent Ragsdale. “That speaks enormous accolades to the job that you do. When you look at the comments we’ve seen scrolling through today, every single one seems to say you go above and beyond.”
Staff recognized as Classified Employees of the Year are often among the first people students and parents meet each day and are credited by colleagues for their professionalism and dedication.
Winners were selected from 127 employees nominated by their peers for demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to district goals.
Ashley Talton, registration clerk at Compton Elementary School, was named elementary level winner. “I was very surprised. I had no idea. I love my job, and I work hard at it,” said Talton. “It’s not just a job. This (Compton Elementary) is a family. You can feel the family environment. The staff is family.” Talton is usually among the first people new families encounter during registration.
Shawn Hall, head custodian at Awtrey Middle School for ten years, received recognition at the middle school level. “It’s the family and our connections here—just being with everybody. We’ve been together for so long, so it’s just the family environment,” Hall said.
Hall also assists with building sets for theater productions at Awtrey Middle School. “Part of that is teaching kids, using hand tools, how to measure, and do things that carry them past middle school,” he explained.
Adonica Bailey was selected as high school-level winner for her role as site coordinator for Communities in Schools at Cobb Horizon High School. Bailey focuses on helping students overcome barriers to graduation by seeking additional resources on their behalf.
“As a result of her actions, many students have obtained their high school diploma—even though the odds were stacked against them,” wrote one colleague in Bailey’s nomination application.
Bailey expressed her ongoing commitment: “Every year, I try to find new things to bring to our students, whether it’s field trips, lunch and learns, or having industries come in to move our students.”
At the district level, Tracy Brock was recognized for her work supporting special education software as a technology application specialist in her third year with Cobb Schools. “I’m stunned. I’m usually behind the scenes. Being brought to the spotlight was very surprising,” Brock said.
“I want to encourage people to keep learning. It doesn’t stop, no matter how old you get,” she added.
All nominees contribute daily toward what district officials call their mission: One Team. One Goal. Student Success.
