Twenty-seven outstanding employees were honored during the Martin County School District's annual School-Related Employee of the Year Ceremony on November 16, 2023. The event was held at the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club in Stuart, Florida.
Our school-related employees play a vital role in ensuring all students are successful in education. The School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding educational support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools or departments.
Mrs. Denise Chesler, a paraprofessional at Jensen Beach High School, was named the District's overall School-Related Employee of the Year. A valued member of the Jensen Beach High School community since 2016, Mrs. Chesler is known for her ability to tackle any challenge and willingness to assist her colleagues, students and families whenever needed. Her name will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration in the state-level recognition program.
“Denise is always willing to go the extra mile to help make our school a wonderful place for students, staff, parents and community members,” Principal Lori Vogel said. “If there is something that Denise doesn’t know, she does her best to find out that information and gets back to the person who asked her the initial questions, and then posts the information for others to see also.”
"Mrs. Chesler is a bright and personable individual who sets the standard for school spirit,” David Searfoss, an Exceptional Student Education Staffing Specialist at JBHS, said. “She participates in all school dress-up days and activities with a smile on her face. She is a valued team member, who without her, would not be able to function as it currently is.”
“It is with immense gratitude that I acknowledge the incredible dedication and contributions of our school-related employees within the Martin County School District community,” Superintendent Michael Maine shared. Their unwavering support, tireless efforts and remarkable enthusiasm create a positive and nurturing environment within our schools. Mrs. Chesler’s passion for helping others, school spirit and eagerness for growth affirm her exceptional qualifications for this recognition. I am beyond proud of Mrs. Chesler and all our school-related employees of the year.”
Congratulations to the following 2023-2024 School-Related Employee of the Year site-level award winners:
Holly Brewer, Clerk - Bessey Creek Elementary School*
Chelsea Vieira, Clerk - Citrus Grove Elementary School
Erin O'Connell, Computer Assistant - Crystal Lake Elementary School*
Georgia Foster, Health Assistant - Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
Rea Gannascoli, Media Assistant - Felix A. Williams Elementary School
Zuleyma Gonzalez Perez, Educator Assistant - Head Start
Christina Mautz, Secretary - Hidden Oaks Middle School
Wydeea Rogers, Behavior Technician - Hobe Sound Elementary School
Robert Harding, Paraprofessional - The Hope Center for Autism
Minerva Rainford, Secretary - Human Resources
Andres Loredo, Paraprofessional - Indiantown Middle School*
Migdalia Crossman, Extended Day Manager - J.D. Parker Elementary School
Edgardo Rivera, Plant Operator - Jensen Beach Elementary School
Denise Chesler, Paraprofessional - Jensen Beach High School**
Ben Eugene Plaster, Plumber - Maintenance Department
Denise Smith, Secretary - Martin County High School
Erika Yanora, Secretary - Murray Middle School
Deanna Lubahn, School Health Professional - Palm City Elementary School
Ashley Johnson, Computer Assistant - Pinewood Elementary School*
Theresa Christina, Secretary - Port Salerno Elementary School
Lucas Garrett, Custodian - Riverbend Academy
Wendy Ochalek, Paraprofessional - SeaWind Elementary School
Robyn Connor, Bookkeeper - South Fork High School
Keri Amanda Rainbow, Secretary - Spectrum Academy
Mario Gonzalez, Custodian - Stuart Middle School
Lauren Dowling, Computer Assistant - Warfield Elementary School*
Wendy Porter, Paraprofessional - Willoughby Learning Center
*Denotes the top six 2023-2024 School-Related Employees of the Year.
**Denotes overall 2023-2024 School-Related Employee of the Year award winner.
Watch a recap of the ceremony honoring our 23-24 School Related Employees of the Year: