February Pursuit of Excellence Winners

The Pursuit of Excellence award is presented to employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.  Nominations can be made by BCSD employees, students, parents, and community members.  The nomination form can be found on our website under the Human Resources Department tab. 

Congratulations to the following employees: Jessica Abney-Spivey, Lamisha Driskell, Kristin Grabel, and Jarlessia Heath, who are the February 2025 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients for the Baldwin County School District.

Jessica Abney-Spivey

Montessori Teacher at Midway Hills Academy

Jessica Abney-Spivey is working in her fourth year for the Baldwin County School District.  Ms. Abney-Spivey currently works as a Montessori Teacher at Midway Hills Academy School.  

Ms. Abney-Spivey was nominated by one of her student’s parents, Patience Wong.  Ms. Wong had the following to say, “Ms. Abney-Spivey consistently keeps me up to date with my daughter's progress and needs. She is kind-hearted and understanding regarding my daughter's emotional and curriculum needs. Mrs. Abney reaches out through multiple platforms of communication when trying to communicate with me about an assignment, quiz, study guide, daily happenings and/or just a note. This means so much to me as a parent and now a single Mom who is juggling many things. To know that my daughter is genuinely being guided by Ms. Abney-Spivey, gives me peace of mind and gratefulness in my heart that we are blessed to have a Teacher like Ms. Abney-Spivey at MHA.” 

Ms. Abney-Spivey, thank you for being the epitome of excellence! 

Kristin Grebel

Marketing Management Instructor in the CTAE Department

at Baldwin High School

Kristin Grebel is working in her second year for the Baldwin County School District. She is the Marketing Management Instructor in our CTAE Department at Baldwin High School.  

Ms. Grebel was nominated by the CTAE Director, James Lassetter.  Mr. Lassetter had the following to say, “I have been impressed with Ms. Grebel’s passion for her subject and her dedication to becoming a better teacher. Without being directed or asked, she has sought out and registered for several different professional learning opportunities. In addition, she has been at the forefront of marketing her student organization, trying to build the membership. She has come to me with ideas to help make her program and student organization better. She has been thinking outside the box. With her passion, I can see her program being one of the shining stars at BHS.”

Ms. Grebel, thank you for being a model of excellence!

Jarlessia Heath

Special Education Paraprofessional at Oak Hill Middle School

Jarlessia Heath is in her fourth year for the Baldwin County School District.  She works as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Oak Hill Middle School.

Ms. Heath was nominated by Dr. Gerard Lary, Assistant Principal at Oak Hill Middle School. Dr. Lary had the following to say, “At Oak Hill Middle School, we are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Heath, an 8th-grade PEC Paraprofessional, as part of our team. Her ever-present smile and contagious positivity brighten the hallways and classrooms alike.

Ms. Heath exemplifies dedication and adaptability. One of the many things that set her apart is her proactive approach to teaching. She takes detailed notes during the first class she co-teaches to better assist struggling students in subsequent sessions. This thoughtful strategy ensures that every student gets the support they need to succeed.  Among her many responsibilities, Ms. Heath particularly enjoys supporting students in their online speech classes. Whether it’s ensuring they’re in the media center, logged on, or fully engaged, her presence makes a difference in their learning experience.

Ms. Heath, your unwavering positivity, thoughtful actions, and heartfelt dedication to Oak Hill Middle School students do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do to make our school a brighter, better place."

Ms. Heath, thank you for being a model of excellence!

Lamisha Driskell

Bus Driver for the Baldwin County School District

Lamisha Driskell is working in her third year for the Baldwin County School District.  Ms. Driskell currently works as a bus driver for our district.  

Ms. Driskell was nominated by Dr. Jamie Steinmeyer, teacher at Lakeview Academy.   Dr. Steinmeyer had the following to say, “I just want to express my gratitude for the incredible job that Ms. Driskell provides daily.  I have seen her running bus routes from early in the morning to late in the evening, as well as a midday route.  Her dedication to transporting our students safely, with such a caring personality, is truly appreciated.  Her kindness, professionalism, and love that she exhibits should not go unnoticed.  Thank you, Ms. Driskell, for always being there, making the transition of 'our' students so successful.  I am so thankful for Ms. Driskell.”

Ms. Driskell, thank you for being a shining example of excellence!