Octavia Lambright, left, Willie Brumfield and Taria Ford were the three finalists in the Colquitt County School System's Tuesday BRAVO Awards ceremony at Colquitt County High School. Brumfeld was named the overall winner.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Colquitt County Schools on Tuesday recognized employees who are not teachers, but whose contributions are necessary for the important business of educating the community’s students.

The finalists among the system’s employees were Willie Brumfield, a custodian at Odom Elementary, Hamilton Elementary paraprofessional Octavia Lambright and Tariah Ford, behavior intervention paraprofessional at Okapilco Elementary, with Brumfield named the overall winner.

The BRAVO (Balancing Responsibility and Achievement while Valuing Others) Employee Recognition Program is in its 14th year and was created to promote the Colquitt County Schools’ shared values of excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, peer recognition, and school spirit. BRAVO award winners were recognized for their outstanding individual performance and to celebrate their commitment and contributions to the Colquitt County School System.

Employees eligible for nomination include bus drivers, clerks, custodians, food service workers, instructional providers, maintenance personnel, nurses, paraprofessionals, social workers, and technology specialists. Criteria for selection include: at least three years employment in the Colquitt County School System, a good attendance record, enthusiasm, and initiative in job performance, and an excellent attitude and rapport in the workplace.

The site BRAVO Award winners were:

• Lee Bass, testing secretary at Colquitt County High School and employed with the system for 14 years.

“The choices Ms. Bass makes and the attitude she exhibits influences the lives of those around her in a positive way,” Principal Stephanie Terrell said.

• Kerry Ruis, school nurse at Cox Elementary School and employed for 17 years in the school system.

“Mrs. Ruis exemplifies all those qualities one would expect to see in a professional,” Principal Jim Horne said. “In her role as school nurse, she has impacted the well-being of faculty, staff, and students by providing comprehensive health services. She is a valuable asset to our school.”  

• Lauren Crosby, a paraprofessional at Doerun Elementary School who has worked in Colquitt County for four years.  

“Mrs. Crosby is a giver and a true volunteer at heart,” Doerun Principal Chuck Jones said. “She works tirelessly on giving her many talents to the boys and girls, as well as to the staff of Doerun Elementary.”

• Donald Griffin, HVAC technician with the Colquitt County Schools’ Facilities Department in his seventh year.  

“Donald is admired and respected by his co-workers,” said Rick Gehle, system facilities director. “He has a genuine concern for the well-being of all who work in the Colquitt County School System and gives his all to maintain a safe and environmentally friendly atmosphere. He is a quiet man who does his job without asking for recognition and will go above and beyond what is necessary to help others.”

• Yanet Trujillo, paraprofessional at Funston Elementary School and employed for three years.  

“Mrs. Trujillo is always more than willing to take on anything that needs to be done for our school,” Principal Ricky Reynolds said. “She takes a genuine interest in all of her students’ learning and strives to make each one successful. She has great integrity and is well respected by our community.”  

• Linda Furney, student services receptionist and translator at C.A. Gray Junior High School and four-year system employee.

“Mrs. Furney is a highly dedicated professional who is able to serve the needs of the school community with a smile and willing attitude,” Principal Fred Smith said. “She understands the role that the school system has in developing our learners to reach their goals and aspirations, and she will do all that she can to ensure that the process is done with fidelity.”  

• Lambright, paraprofessional at Hamilton Elementary School who has been working in the system for three years.

“Mrs. Lambright works with small groups, students one-on-one, and runs the class for a teacher that has had to go to training,” Principal Krista Harrell said. “She delights in the success of the students. She is currently pursuing her Early Childhood degree, and she is going to make an amazing teacher.”

• Brittany Beck, paraprofessional at Norman Park Elementary School and an employee for four years.  

“Ms. Beck embodies everything that the BRAVO award represents,” Principal Stacey Rutledge said. “She is a dedicated, hard-working paraprofessional that always gives her best to every task. I am very pleased that she has decided to pursue her teaching degree. She is an asset to our school and system, and she will be for years to come.”

 • Brumfield, custodian at J. M. Odom Elementary School who has four years working in the school system.

“Mr. Brumfield has made a lasting impression on staff, students, and families,” Principal Trish Lirio said. “He prides himself on working with all stakeholders to keep our campus clean and beautiful.”

 • Ford, behavior interventionist paraprofessional at Okapilco Elementary School and employed with the system for seven years.

“Ms. Ford is an example of respect, responsibility, readiness, and perseverance,” Principal Eric Croft said. “She takes her role seriously trying desperately to be that light for a child seeking their way out of a difficult situation. She is a mentor, and she does not accept excuses. Understanding? Yes… Excuses? No.”

• Ellie Mae Lewis, paraprofessional at Stringfellow Elementary School and seven year school employee.  

 “Mrs. Lewis displays a true love for her students, her school, and her job,” Principal Tret Witherspoon said. “She frequently refers to students as ‘her babies.’ She displays an unselfish attitude in all that she does.”  

• Holly Beard, paraprofessional at Sunset Elementary School who is in her ninth year with the school system.  

“Ms. Beard is a true professional in all aspects of the word,” Principal Josh Purvis said. “She demonstrates patience that is rare in modern society, even when dealing with the most difficult of situations. I was not surprised one bit when she was chosen by the Sunset faculty and staff as our BRAVO winner.”

• Fay Wood, payroll supervisor representing Support Services who has worked for the system for 28 years.  

 “Mrs. Wood keeps the students of Colquitt County at the forefront of her work when dealing with financial tasks,” Senior Assistant Superintendent Brad Gregory said. “She knows that in supporting the employees of the district she directly impacts classified and certified employees and in turn, students. Our system is blessed to have Fay Wood handling payroll.”  

• Glenda Howard, paraprofessional at W.J. Williams Middle School, who has been a system employee for five years.  

“Mrs. Howard has a tremendous work ethic and a great amount of love for our students,” Principal Jamie Horne said. “Her commitment and compassion for her work with our students is evident in all she does. She shines a light to our students and teachers every day.”

• Wendy Wheeler, secretary registrar at R.B. Wright Elementary School and employed for 12 years.

“Each day I have the privilege to be greeted by Mrs. Wendy,” Principal Summer Hall said. “She is known for her contagious smile and positive attitude. She is visited daily by many students to receive their morning hug. I can’t thank her enough for being such a thoughtful and dedicated team player.”

Each site nominee will receive a plaque and $200 in BRAVO Bucks.

Each of the three finalists will receive a trophy and an additional $200 in BRAVO Bucks, totaling $400.

The Employee of the year will receive a trophy and an additional $200 in BRAVO Bucks, totaling $600.