Caring and going above and beyond help describe what made the 2016 Classified Employees of the Year stand out. Cobb Schools announced the District’s four Classified Employees of the Year during a recognition luncheon at Roswell Street Baptist Church August 30.

The 2016 Classified Employees of the Year:

• Amanda Stone, special education paraprofessional at Chalker Elementary School
• Apolinar Padilla, head custodian at Lindley Sixth Grade Academy
• Dragan Cikic, head custodian at Pope High School
• Becky Kelley, secretary in the Special Education Department 
  

  Superintendent Chris Ragsdale congratulates 2016 Classified Employee of the Year Amanda Stone, a special education paraprofessional at Chalker Elementary School.

  

  Superintendent Chris Ragsdale congratulates 2016 Classified Employee of the Year Apolinar Padilla, the head custodian at Lindley Sixth Grade Academy.

  

  Superintendent Chris Ragsdale congratulates 2016 Classified Employee of the Year Dragan Cikic, the head custodian at Pope High School.

  

  Superintendent Chris Ragsdale congratulates 2016 Classified Employee of the Year Becky Kelley, secretary in the Special Education Department.

“Amanda is a wonderful employee, and she surely goes above and beyond,” said Chalker Elementary Principal Sharon Arduino. “She is so incredibly giving to our students. The thing that I’m most incredibly thankful for from Amanda is she is one of those employees who is so willing to take on additional duties. She is amazing.”

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The middle school Classified Employee of the Year, Apolinar Padilla, shared the same character trait with Amanda Stone of surpassing expectations.

“(Apolinar) takes pride in what he does. So it is very important to him that our school is exceptionally clean,” said Dr. Denise Magee, principal of Lindley Sixth Grade Academy. “Anyone he sees that has a need, he will go above and beyond to help that person. What we love about him—It is not for recognition—he just wants to help and make sure everyone is happy. Apolinar personifies the true meaning of ‘One Team. One Goal Student Success.’”

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The going above and beyond theme continued with the high school Classified Employee of the Year, Dragan Cikic.

“(Dragan Cikic) does an amazing job keeping Pope looking sparkling,” said Dr. Robert Downs, principal of Pope High School. “Dragan has gone well above the normal head custodian duties. He has taken on the role of building engineer when my building engineer was out for an extended period of time. He did an amazing job keeping this place running smoothly.”

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Like the other Classified Employees of the Year, Becky Kelley stands out because of how she helps others.

“She is the glue that holds us all together. She is positive and professional in everything that she does,” said Susan Christensen, director of special education. “Becky cares about everyone, and it is very evident when she is on the phone with parents, administrators and colleagues.”

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The four District winners each received a commemorative crystal bowl and cash award from the Cobb Schools Foundation. Prior to Deputy Superintendent John Adams announcing the name of the District winners, school and department level honorees received plaques and were congratulated onstage by Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and Cobb Board of Education Members Susan Thayer, David Banks, Scott Sweeney, Brad Wheeler and Randy Scamihorn.

Comedian and motivational speaker Kenn Kington served as master of ceremonies at the luncheon. Walton High School student Caroline Hakes sang the “National Anthem” and a fellow Walton High student Jamie Linton performed her rendition of a song from The Color Purple.

The Cobb Schools Foundation, Georgia Credit Union and Lifetouch helped sponsor the recognition luncheon.

The 2016 Classified Employees of the Year Nominees:

Walton High student Jamie Linton performed her rendition of a song from The Color Purple during the 2016 Classified Employee of the Year Luncheon on August 30.

Greg Talesky, Cobb Schools Foundation President, addresses the attendees of the Classified Employee of the Year Luncheon on August 30.

Comedian and motivational speaker Kenn Kington served as master of ceremonies at the luncheon.

Walton High School student Caroline Hakes sang the “National Anthem” during the Cobb Schools Classified Employees of the Year Luncheon on August 30.

Attendees at the Classified Employees of the Year greet each other prior to the start of the program on August 30.