Pursuit of Excellence Awards Winners for May 2019

Congratulations to the following employees who are the May 2019 recipients of the Pursuit of Excellence Award for the Baldwin County School District.

Ms. Crystal Beard Lead Teacher at the Early Learning Center Nominated by Ms. Stephanie Wright, Coworker

Ms. Crystal Beard has served as a lead teacher at the Early Learning Center since 2016. She was nominated by her co-worker Ms. Wright. Ms. Wright had the following to say about Ms. Beard, if you were to look up the word "teacher" in the dictionary, you will definitely find a picture of Crystal Beard. Mrs. Beard is energetic, compassionate and always finding new ways/ideas for the kids to learn. During the Christmas break, she along with some co-workers spend several late night hours creating the "Jungle" at the ELC. During home visits, in the smothering Georgia heat, the air conditioner stop working in her car. Instead of getting her car repaired, she spend her money on purchasing each child in her classroom a purple ELC shirt so they all could wear them on field trips. I am blessed to call her co-worker and witness the impact she has on the students in Baldwin County. Ms. Beard, thank you for your example of excellence!

Mr. Charles Browder Math Teacher at Baldwin High School

Nominated by Diego Dixon, Coworker Mr. Browder has been working as an educator for over twelve years. He is described by his coworker, Mr. Dixon as being hard working and determined for excellence. In addition to his hard work and determination, he is commended for his willingness to find answers for any questions to help students and families in the district. Mr. Browder, thank you for modelling excellence!

Ms. Sholanda Spikes Teacher at Lakeview Academy

Nominated by Arlinda Watson, Coworker Ms. Spikes began her employment with the Baldwin County School District in 2016. She is a veteran educator and easily fit in with her team members at Lakeview Academy. Quiet in nature, her professionalism, willingness to help others and smile, speak volumes. She was nominated by her coworker, Ms. Arlinda Watson and Ms. Watson summed up Ms. Spikes’s desire to help students in a very matter of fact statement, “Because she does a lot for the kids in her class to help them learn each day”! Ms. Spikes, thank you for being a shining example of excellence!

Ms. Sheri Thornton

Instructional Technology Specialist at Central Office Nominated by Mandy Hopkins, Teacher at Midway Hills Primary School Ms. Thornton has been working in education for 29 years. She recently became a district-wide instructional technology specialist. She was nominated by Ms. Mandy Hopkins and Ms. Hopkins had the following to say about Ms. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton has been the most amazing support to me and my team this year. She is knowledgeable and enthusiastic and always willing to help us in any way possible so that we can be the best teachers we can be. This year she helped me use technology by using a green screen and videoing my students being meteorologists during our weather unit. She made it so much for me and the kids and we all learned so much from her. I appreciate her willingness to work with me in any capacity and for having a heart for teachers and students. Ms. Thornton, thank you for your example of excellence!

Pursuit of Excellence Award Program

The Baldwin County School District Pursuit of Excellence Award, an employee recognition program, is presented monthly to employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. A maximum of four employees are chosen monthly and recognized during the regular Baldwin County Board of Education Meeting.

Application Process

Any Baldwin County School District employee is eligible for nomination, so long as they have not previously received the award. Team or groups are not eligible for recognition. Nominations may be made by any BCSD employee, student, parent, or community member. Nominations are due by the third Tuesday of each month (employees will be recognized the following month). Nomination forms will be available online or at the BCSD office.

Nominations will be reviewed monthly by the Selection Committee. The committee will consist of the Superintendent, the Human Resources Director, Assistant Superintendent, Maintenance Director, Transportation Director, Nutrition Director and the prior month's award winners. The award winners will rotate off each month as the new winners are awarded.

If a nominee is not chosen for recognition one month, his/her nomination may be forwarded to the next month at the discretion of the selection committee.

All recipients of the Pursuit of Excellence Award will be recognized on the district's website and at the monthly Board of Education Meeting.

We have many dedicated employees in our district. Please consider nominating a colleague for this award.