Employee Spotlight - Fall 2017

8 Years with GCS

Jessica Allen is a change agent. She takes pride in her job, and it shows in everything she does. She has created a connection with her cafeteria staff, staff at the school, but most importantly, a connection with our students. When a school evacuation required students to be dismissed from outside the building, Mrs. Allen kept a calm demeanor as she helped monitor students, direct traffic, and load students into cars.

16 Years with GCS

Kenneth Ashworth is recognized for his work this summer to coordinate a Career Fair for nearly 600 freshmen to participate involving various organizations from the community and our Golden Strip Career Center. This event helped students gain a better understanding of various careers available and the coursework needed to reach those goals. Mr. Ashworth is always willing to do whatever it takes for the school.

14 Years with GCS

Tim Cushman’s wisdom is revealed in his ability to understand and demonstrate the transformational power of technology in K-12 classrooms. As many in Greenville County Schools could attest, if Mr. Cushman has been a part of your initiative, it is different, better, and improved because he brings his best to every project and task. The culture, effectiveness, and growth of the IT department are a direct result of his tireless leadership, wisdom, and guidance.

8 Years with GCS

Troy Elsenheimer is always at the ready to tackle any problem, concern, or issue involving the operations of the school. Mr. Elsenheimer has made it his mission to be a positive role model for students. He is one of the baseball coaches, is involved with D team football, and is also a first responder. He comes in early and stays late when he and his staff have a deadline to meet, and he helps his staff know that he cares about them as people, not just employees.

23 Years with GCS

Ron Gunter has steadily implemented excellent learning experiences which go beyond expectations. Students in Mr. Gunter’s classroom enjoy using the high-powered telescope to study the sky. He started an extracurricular "Upstate History Club," and probably of greatest impact to his school, created and now operates the SETV program. As a result, student learning about real world issues is enhanced in a meaningful way. Mr. Gunter helps build better citizenship for our students.

25 Years with GCS

Pat Messer is the eyes and ears of Tigerville Elementary. She has a keen insight into children's home life, needs, desires, and well-being. She assists teachers with activities, serves lunch during the annual Thanksgiving meal, and volunteers at school events. Mrs. Messer is the first welcoming face you encounter when you enter the building, and Tigerville would not be the home it is without her. Mrs. Messer has an honest loving heart and soul. She loves all and is not afraid to spread her love.

28 Years with GCS

Bernard Simpson has driven his bus route for so long that he knows all of his students, their parents, and extended families. For some families, Mr. Simpson transported parents years ago and now provides transportation services for their children. The Mitchell Road Elementary family believes that they truly have a gem in Mr. Simpson. He is consistent, dependable, and dedicated to safely transporting students each and every day. He is often called upon to drive other routes during times of shortage, and he does so with a smile.

7 Years with GCS

Kevin Washington is a born mentor who always goes above and beyond to help others achieve success. In addition to assisting stakeholders as an intervention specialist, Mr. Washington coaches for Mauldin High School. For the past three years, he has assisted two members of the Chandler Creek Elementary staff in developing and teaching a boys group called Work in Progress. The behavior at Chandler Creek Elementary and the success of boys in the WIP club are due to Mr. Washington's actions. Through weekly meetings, authentic experiences, and his guiding words, he has been a mentor for the boys and helped them to navigate the path to being successful.

3 Years with GCS

In her fifth grade math and science classroom, Stephanie White’s love of learning is spread to her students by her contagious success-driven attitude. Mrs. White teaches the whole child through integrated learning. While she is compassionate towards her students’ often difficult situations, she maintains high expectations for them in their academics as well as in their social interactions. Mrs. White has transformed the school through her tireless efforts. She is established as a vital part of the school’s community and is dedicated to improving student achievement through rigorous instruction. Mrs. White is a difference maker!

6 Years with GCS

Tyson Wright worked with two other team members to create a boys group called Work in Progress. Over the last two years, the club has annually served 20-25 boys in grades four and five. Mr. Wright is able to meet with needed students for check-in on a daily basis, and he serves as an advocate for student needs. He is always available to assist students, staff, and families in helping students achieve success. Mr. Wright's assistance with the Work in Progress club goes above and beyond his duty requirements as a teacher and behavior interventionist, and behavior in the school has been positively changed throughout the building because of his hard work.”