Pictured are Solange Dawson and Nicole Sanchez – two of six finalists for School Related District Employee of the Year.

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Broward County Public Schools have just announced six finalists for the School Related District Employee of the Year and two of them work in Coral Springs and Parkland schools. Solange Dawson from Heron Heights Elementary in Parkland and Nicole Sanchez from Coral Glades High School in Coral Springs are among those that have been selected for the significant contributions they make to BCPS schools and students.

Being a finalist is no easy task. First, nominations are submitted from schools, staff, students, parents and/or community members. Next, the nominees are invited to complete application packets. During the final stage, a District screening committee reviews the application packets, and interviews the top six candidates. The one with the highest combined application and interview scores is selected as the School Related District Employee of the Year.

Solange Dawson supervises Before & After School Child Care (BASCC) at Heron Heights Elementary School, where she leads a staff of 20, coordinates activities, recruits personnel and oversees the supervision of students. Her passion for education is her foundation for success. She has initiated diverse activities to broaden student learning while having fun. Hard working and conscientious, she serves as a mentor and trainer in the BASCC program community, sharing her knowledge with staff at schools throughout the District.

Nicole Sanchez has served as secretary for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department at Coral Glades High School since 2008. As an administrative secretary, her responsibilities include working with Business Partners in Education and serving on the Innovation Zone Committee. Over the past eight years, she has contributed to the school and community beyond her duties as secretary. One of her most notable successes is the ESE Transition Fair, an annual event where ESE students who will graduate or age out of the program and their parents can learn about community resources. Sanchez is a mentor to students and colleagues alike.

Other 2016 School Related District Employee of the Year Finalists:

Mary Alvarez, Confidential Secretary and Office Manager, Lyons Creek Middle School

Mary Alvarez, confidential secretary and office manager at Lyons Creek Middle School, boosts a 16-year perfect attendance record. Described as a consummate professional, she is committed to ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming school environment. Alvarez is willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done. Her outstanding interpersonal skills contribute to camaraderie among clerical staff, administrators, faculty, students and Parent Teacher Association members alike. She has earned the respect of her school community and all stakeholders.

Nikole G. Gray, Paraprofessional, Dillard Elementary School

Nikole Gray’s ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds contributes to her success as a paraprofessional at Dillard Elementary School. Formerly serving as community liaison, she enrolled in university courses to increase her knowledge and social skills needed to become an effective paraprofessional. Gray’s primary responsibilities are to assist with classroom instruction while providing a safe and comfortable environment, and maintaining open communication with parents. She often works as an interim substitute teacher and collaborates with teachers to find solutions to help all students.

Shilpa H. Parikh, Micro Computer Technology Specialist, Winston Park Elementary School

As micro computer technology specialist, Shilpa Parikh manages and maintains technology throughout Winston Park Elementary School. She oversees the school website, computer hardware and software, and coordinates students’ online testing. In her 16 years at Winston Park Elementary, Parikh has never been constrained by a job title. She’s done it all – independently and as part of a team. No task is too big or too small. Also a frequent volunteer, she is an active member of the Parent Teacher Association and serves on a number of school committees.

Jacqueline R. Sanchez, Micro Computer Technical Specialist, Griffin Elementary School

Jacqueline Sanchez is a micro computer technical specialist at Griffin Elementary School where she provides technical assistance and computer hardware and software support. Devoted to her students and parents, she opens the computer lab at 7:30 a.m. so that students can work on computer-based literacy activities. Sanchez is best known for the responsibilities she assumes outside of her primary role. For the past eight years, she has sponsored the Eco-Patrol Environmental Club and helped students to operate a recycling service to learn more about protecting and saving the environment. She has helped the school to receive several environmental grants and awards.

The winner will be announced during the Centennial Caliber Awards recognizing outstanding employees on Friday, April 1, 2016, at 6 p.m., at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.