Congratulations to Our February Pursuit of Excellence Winners

Congratulations to the following employees who are the February 2023 recipients of the Pursuit of Excellence Award for the Baldwin County School District.

Michelle Hobbs

Preschool Teacher at the Early Learning Center

Michelle Hobbs is working in her fifth year for the Baldwin County School District. She currently works as a Preschool Teacher at the Early Learning Center. Mrs. Hobbs was nominated by her colleague, Carrie Brown. Ms. Brown had the following to say, “Mrs. Hobbs is one of the most caring teachers. Let me tell you a few reasons why I feel that she deserves to be recognized. First, she advocates for her children. She notices if they need new shoes, clothes, coats, or small things that one might overlook. She ensures that these most basic needs are met so that they are then able to take full advantage of her instructional time with no distractions. She keeps them on a schedule, which is something they need at this age to make them feel safe and loved. They each know what to expect from her every day. Children leave her class knowing that she cared and at this young age, that is so important. She is a true blessing to the children and families enrolled in her class each year.” Mrs. Hobbs, thank you for being the epitome of excellence!

Victoria Sweat

School Food Service Assistant at Midway Hills Academy

This is Victoria Sweat’s fifth year working for the Baldwin County School District. Ms. Sweat currently works as a School Food Service Assistant at Midway Hills Academy. She was nominated by her colleague, Barbara Hill. Ms. Hill had the following to say about Ms. Sweat, “Victoria is a special employee. She does her duties and anything else that needs to be done. She helps anyone that needs it. She loves the kids and they respect her. She cares for them like they were her own. That is truly an accomplishment. She never slacks off, even when she is tired. Victoria has a positive attitude and when I'm working with her, she makes the work day better. I believe we are lucky to have such an amazing employee in our kitchen. I am thankful for Victoria every day I go to work.” Ms. Sweat, thank you for being a model of excellence!

April Tapley

5th Grade Teacher at Lakeview Academy

This is April Tapley’s second year working for the Baldwin County School District. Mrs. Tapley currently works as a 5th grade teacher at Lakeview Academy. Mrs. Tapley was nominated by her colleague, Caroline Lacksen. Ms. Lacksen had the following to say, “Mrs. Tapley goes above and beyond to connect with every student she can, not only those in her classroom but students across classrooms and grade levels. She works each day to form positive relationships with students and to step in when someone needs help regulating their emotions. She has established herself as a safe haven for those having a hard time and students' school days and general well-being are better for it! We love Mrs. Tapley and her heart for our learners!”

Mrs. Tapley was also nominated by her colleague, Erin Smith. Ms. Smith had the following to say, “April Tapley is in her 2nd year teaching. She is a natural-born teacher. I have rarely seen a teacher able to hit the ground running during her first year and Mrs. Tapley did just that. She is always searching for ways to meet her students' academic and behavioral needs inside and outside of the classroom. During her time off, she often attends their football or basketball games to show her support. Mrs. Tapley is understanding and empathetic to the needs of her students, especially those with challenging behaviors. She wants to do her best to make them feel important and understood. Her students love her and the teachers around her love her as well. Mrs. Tapley is a model of excellence!”

Mrs. Tapley, thank you for modeling excellence!

John Taylor

Maintenance Personnel

John Taylor has worked for the district for more than 30 years and currently works as a Maintenance Personnel. Mr. Taylor was nominated by his colleague, Wichelle Norton. Ms. Norton had the following to say, “Mr. John is everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE! When I put in a maintenance request, it is almost like magic, Mr. John appears! Mr. John is not only a hard worker, but he is also a kind and considerate human being. When I was working on the set of Frozen Kids at Lakeview Primary School, I put in a request for help to hang the backdrop. I didn't think anyone would respond, but then Mr. John appeared. Even though Mr. John had never hung a tinsel backdrop or used a glue gun in his life, he was good-humored about the process. By the time the tinsel was hung, we were both ready to "let it go". Mr. Taylor, thank you for being a shining example of excellence!