Twenty-seven exceptional employees were celebrated during the Martin County School District’s annual School-Related Employee of the Year Ceremony on December 16, 2024. The event, held at the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, highlighted the invaluable contributions of educational support personnel who help ensure the success of all students.
The School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding individuals for their dedication and significant impact on their schools or departments. This year, Mr. Joshua Oviedo, an ELL (English Language Learner) paraprofessional at Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School, was named the District’s overall School-Related Employee of the Year.
A proud graduate of the Martin County School District, Mr. Oviedo has spent the past three years serving as a paraprofessional, working tirelessly to support English Language Learners and students with exceptionalities. His ability to connect with students stems from his own journey as an English learner, inspiring them to embrace challenges and strive for success. His contributions extend beyond the classroom, having coached volleyball at Anderson Middle School last year and soccer at Stuart Middle School during the 2022-2023 school year. Through these roles, he has instilled teamwork, perseverance, and confidence in students.
Mr. Oviedo collaborates closely with teachers to create engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to students’ diverse needs. His meticulous organizational skills enhance the efficiency of the ELL program, supporting student success. Beyond academics, he participates in parent engagement nights, chaperones field trips, and serves as a trusted liaison between schools and families, fostering strong connections and bridging cultural gaps.
“Joshua Oviedo’s leadership, dedication, and positive influence make him an exceptional role model for our students and a valued member of our district,” Superintendent Michael Maine shared. “His steadfast optimism and commitment to helping others embody the mission of the Martin County School District to ‘educate all students for success.’”
Mr. Oviedo’s name will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration in the state-level recognition program.
Congratulations to the following 2024-2025 School-Related Employee of the Year site-level award winners:
Joshua Oviedo, Paraprofessional ELL - Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
Lauren Marshall, Secretary - Hidden Oaks Middle School
Daniel O'Shea, Custodian - Indiantown Middle School
Lisa Wiley, Bookkeeper - Murray Middle School
Connie Ginger, Secretary, Stuart Middle School
Shelley Falzon, Registrar - Jensen Beach High School
Raymond Williams, Custodian - Martin County High School
Rochelle Thomson, Secretary - South Fork High School
Melinda Lafferty, FNS Specialist - Food & Nutrition
Sarah Riskovitch, FNS Assistant - Head Start
Chris McMurrain, Paraprofessional - Hope Center for Autism
Garrett Tiegs, A/C Mechanic - Maintenance
Jolene Hughes, Intervention Support Tech - Riverbend Academy
Trenisha Sparks, Secretary - Spectrum Academy
Pamela Lopez, Paraprofessional ELL - Willoughby Learning Center
Brenda Miller, Secretary - Bessey Creek Elementary School
Melanie Smith, Secretary - Citrus Grove Elementary School
Kaitlyn Prewitt, School Nurse - Crystal Lake Elementary School
Kristin Jacobson, Paraprofessional ESE - Felix A. Williams Elementary School
Connie Waterman, Paraprofessional - Hobe Sound Elementary School
Gladis Quintanilla, Home School Liaison - J.D. Parker Elementary School
Terry Foley, Paraprofessional ESE - Jensen Beach Elementary School
Suraya Amina, Paraprofessional - Palm City Elementary School
Rita Macedo, Data Clerk - Pinewood Elementary School
Tina Dunshee, Computer Assistant - Port Salerno Elementary School
Maritza Garcia, Secretary - SeaWind Elementary School
Joy Thorpe, Media Assistant - Warfield Elementary School