ing environment for our
students because she is
dedicated to the mission of
Knox to cultivate curiosity,
critical thinking and create
real-world connections,”
she said. “She is a risk
taker, trailblazer and
innovator. Her enthusiasm
for both books and learning
is contagious.”
Ms. Hicks teaches classes
lessons in how to use
resources for research and
best practices for digital citizenship
and effective use
of technology. She constructed
a Lightbulb Lab
Maker Space for students
to explore STEAM concepts
hands-on and produces a
school podcast for families
and the community.
This school year, she
took on new goals including:
2021-2022 Hasty
Elementary School Fine
Arts Academy Volunteer
of the Year
2021-2022 Cherokee
County School District
Volunteer of the Year
36 CLASS ACT | 2022-2023
helping all students
earn Microsoft Kids certification
by increasing their
technology literacy skills,
and promoting reading
through Beanstack app
reading challenges with
incentives and rewards for
dedicated readers. Beyond
the media center, Ms.
Hicks influences practices
districtwide by sharing her
expertise, both from Knox
and her previous work at
Woodstock High School,
through serving on district
committees, developing
district professional development
and mentoring new
media specialists.
Support Staff Employee
of the Year
The Cherokee County
School District honors one
Support Staff Employee of
the Year from each of
CCSD’s schools, centers
CCSD Media Specialist of the Year Leslie Hicks
and central office divisions.
There is one overall CCSD
winner chosen in three
categories: Elementary
School- Knox Elementary
School STEM Academy
kindergarten paraprofessional
Carol Dunn; Middle
School/High School/
Centers- ACTIVE Academies
School Nutrition
worker Crystal Williams;
and Central Office- CCSD
Special Education Executive
Director Administrative
Assistant Nilda Tippins.
These overall winners
were selected by a committee
of retired educators and
community leaders.
Ms. Dunn, who retired
at the end of the school
year, has 38 years of experience
with CCSD, including
33 years in her current
role.
“Students know her by
name and often stop her in
the hallways for a quick
hug,” Principal Jennifer
McIntosh said. “Her love
for working with students
is contagious as she makes
everyone’s day brighter.”
Ms. Williams has nine
years of service with CCSD,
all in the same role.
“What makes Crystal
Williams such an outstanding
employee is not only
Carol Dunn
Crystal Williams
Nilda Tippins
Best of the Best, Continued from
Page 25
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