40 recognized for going 'above and beyond'

HURON TWP. — North Point Educational Service Center strives to champion education. The organization invited local districts to Sawmill Creek Resort to help recognize school employees who follow the same mission. The recognition was part of North Point's Compass of Excellence award hosted at the resort last Thursday. Those who were recognized at the event are more than just colleagues, according to the center's superintendent, Andrea Smith. "They are leaders, role models and true champions of education," Smith said. "They embody the values that guide our collective work: commitment, excellence and a deep passion for helping others succeed." This was the second annual Compass of Excellence Award Ceremony. Smith described the 40 award winners as "incredible individuals." Two were selected from 20 districts that partner with the organization. She said these award winners "go above and beyond in their service to students, schools and community." Also in attendance were representatives from the center, State Rep. Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk, and Allia Carter, dean of Bowling Green State University Firelands. Those within their districts nominated the award winners. With their nominations, districts submitted a statement as to why the nomination deserved recognition. These statements were read as the awards were distributed. The winners: • Jackie Hess, food service director at Bellevue Schools • Kathy Hillman, director of transportation at Bellevue Schools • Geoffrey Halsey, assistant superintendent at Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools • Tori Johannsen, teacher at Benton-Carroll-Salem • Rhonda Geason, teacher at Edison Schools • Sandra Wilson, teacher at Edison Schools • Brittni Faist, student services coordinator at Fremont Schools • Susan King, director of human resources and community relations at Fremont Schools • Terri Caraway, director of transportation and food services at Genoa Area Schools • John Gibson, teacher at Genoa Area Schools • Melody Morelock, administrative assistant at Gibsonburg Exempted Village Schools • Christinn Natsheh, teacher at Gibsonburg Exempted Village Schools • Craig Laughlin, maintenance and transportation department at Huron Schools • Kearra Williams, registered behavior technician at Huron Schools • Lori Hoffman, teacher at Kelleys Island Schools • Mary Grace Muster, physical education and health teacher at Kelleys Island Schools • Cheryl Sandrock, music teacher at Lakota Schools • Madelynn Whitman, nurse at Lakota Schools • Chris Leibacher, transportation supervisor at Margaretta Schools • Lucas Poggiali, maintenance supervisor at Margaretta Schools • Megan Elmlinger, assistant principal at Monroeville Schools • Khari Grant, principal at Monroeville Schools • Greg Anderson, maintenance supervisor at New London Schools • Sarah Smith, education aide at New London Schools • Kathleen Robertson, school counselor at Norwalk Schools • V. Janice Smith, principal at Norwalk Schools • Michael Leffler, teacher at Perkins Schools • Alan Speer, teacher at Perkins Schools • Lisa Chura, champions for children coordinator at Port Clinton Schools • Maryanne Kreutzfeld, food services at Port Clinton Schools • Daniel O'Loughlin, bus driver at Sandusky Schools • Terri Williams-Johnson, administrative assistant at Sandusky Schools • Darren Hunt, teacher at South Central Schools • Ike Spears, custodian at South Central Schools • TJ Eden, teacher at Western Reserve Schools • Lona White, secretary and EMIS coordinator at Western Reserve Schools • Dennis "Hutch" Hutchinson, custodian at Willard Schools • Wanda Trainer, teacher at Willard Schools • Kristina Curtis, teacher at Woodmore Schools • Alison Garcia, teacher at Woodmore Schools