Woodstock School Staff Honored at District Awards Luncheon

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>The Cherokee County School District recognized the essential contributions of non-teaching personnel, including several staff members from Woodstock schools, during the Eighth Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards held on January 22.</p><p>Presented as a luncheon for the first time, the event honored support staff selected by their colleagues from every school and central office division. While teachers and administrators have separate recognition programs, this event highlights the work of custodians, nurses, secretaries, bookkeepers, and paraprofessionals. Woodstock High School Family &amp; Consumer Science students assisted Center Cut Catering staff in serving the meal to the honorees.</p><p>Three overall district winners were announced during the ceremony. Gary Provost, head custodian at Sixes Elementary School, won for the Elementary School category, while Karen Brown, head custodian at Creekland Middle School, won for the Middle School/High School/Centers category. The late Jami Stefano, a former CCSD lead nurse, was posthumously honored as the Central Office winner.</p><p>Several staff members from Woodstock-area schools were among the 2025-26 honorees receiving recognition:</p><p>* **Woodstock Elementary School:** Becky Muir, Kindergarten Paraprofessional</p><p>* **Woodstock Middle School:** John Cody, Head Custodian</p><p>* **Woodstock High School:** Zahir Herrera, Paraprofessional</p><p>* **Etowah High School:** Candice Rucker, Athletic Department Secretary</p><p>* **River Ridge High School:** Tyler Thomas, School Police Officer</p><p>* **Little River Elementary School:** Nan Ezell, Bookkeeper</p><p>* **Johnston Elementary School:** Lauren Godfrey, School Nurse</p><p>All school-level winners received a plaque, gifts of appreciation, and a $200 Visa gift card funded by sponsors. They also received a "swag bag" containing certificates and gifts from local partners, including Woodstock-based businesses like Nothing Bundt Cakes and Practically Perfect Day Spa. The three overall winners received additional prize packages, including $500 Visa cards and various gift cards.</p><p>The event featured performances by local students, including the River Ridge High School orchestra and the Etowah High School JROTC, which presented the colors.</p>