Center Line educators recognized for making the grade

CENTER LINE — Superintendent Joseph Haynes called it one of his “favorite events.”

At the Nov. 25 Center Line Public Schools Board of Education meeting, the district held its fall staff appreciation ceremony.

A number of staff members were recognized for their relationships with students or for the innovation they bring to the district. The educators were nominated by other staff members, and all recipients received a certificate and cookies.

The ceremony began when Roose Elementary School Principal Andrea Kennedy honored administrative assistant Kim Schneeberger for going “above and beyond to support our team.”

“Her meticulous attention to detail, organizational skills and quick problem-solving ability ensure that even the busiest days are less stressful and more manageable,” Kennedy said. “One of Kim’s greatest strengths is her natural ability to build relationships. She connects with staff, students and families and creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels welcomed and heard.”

During the evening, Kennedy along with Crothers Elementary School Principal Jillian Hamilton surprised Assistant Superintendent Shannon McBrady when they acknowledged her during the meeting.

“She has been a crucial part of our days since we both started here in Center Line. Whether it was to help with a behavioral situation, talking us through a difficult conversation or just helping us be more confident and comfortable in our roles, Shannon is always there,” Hamilton said. “She is consistent, strong, knowledgeable and extremely helpful in situations both good and bad. I appreciate her leadership through her principalship at Roose when I was a teacher there and her district-wide leadership she provides each and every day.”

Center Line High School Assistant Principal John Grob paid tribute to teacher Carree Finazzo and social worker Zach Bayer. Grob said that Finazzo’s impact goes beyond the classroom.

“She is arguably the heart of the freshmen academy. Routinely, upperclassmen return to visit her not just to say ‘hello’ but to seek her company and receive additional tutoring. She truly embodies the spirit of a mentor, always putting her students and colleagues first,” Grob said.

Bayer has also touched the hearts of his students.

“Zach has proven over and over again his ability to build meaningful relationships with students earning their trust and respect through his calm nonjudgmental demeanor,” Grob said. “He approaches each student with an open mind and a strong commitment to doing what is right for every student he encounters. Zach has a remarkable ability to reach students that are often the hardest to connect with or feel isolated and unheard.”

Wolfe Middle School teacher Amber Baaso nominated aide Natashia Young.

“She’s such an asset to our science classes. During busy labs or working one-on-one with students she is always supportive and helpful beyond words,” Baaso said. “She just has this way about her that every student and every member of staff really wants Miss Natashia’s help.”

Baaso also was nominated by Brian Hug for her relationships with students.

Calling her a “secret fairy,” school board Treasurer Wendy Watters nominated Sue Pauling, who is the assistant to Superintendent Haynes.

“She manages to be in many places we cannot be and has the ability to find hidden gems to make our district shine in the community and as well on social media. Her ability to keep so many of us organized is simply astonishing,” Watters said. “Thank you, Sue, for always having a positive attitude to help us get the job done and make us shine brighter.”

Peck cognitively impaired teacher Olivia Constantine recognized cognitively impaired aide Tabitha Roberts. Sherri Callebs, a Peck Elementary health aide, was nominated by Principal Meghan Evoy. Callebs couldn’t hold back her emotions when third-grade student Ariana Long said Callebs has “the world’s kindest heart.”

The following educators also were recognized:

• Hafsa Ahmed, Wolfe aide, nominated by teacher Jennifer DeSmet.

• Aaron Delikta and Troy Jones, CLHS student council sponsors, nominated by counselor Jason MacKay and Principal John Kelley.

• Maryann Swisher, Peck clerk, nominated by Evoy.

• Nicole Crocker, CLHS counseling admin assistant, nominated by counselor Dori Babcock.

• Laureen McDougall, Autumn Pabst, Riley Kahn, Catherine Otte, Snezana Matovski, Carrie Miller and Anna Huk-Glaeser, English Learners team, who work with students who have English as a second language, nominated by EL teacher Toby Long.

• Nicole Kitsch, Peck Teacher, nominated by an anonymous individual.

• Jessica Yeakel, CLHS teacher, nominated by academy coach Christine Akroush.

• Jen Haugh, CLHS teacher, nominated by Assistant Principal Klaressa Howery.

• Jerrica Rice, Crothers aide, nominated by Wael Sharaby.

• Jen Serra, Wolfe principal, nominated by teacher Ashley Pearson.

• Mark Schott, Wolfe teacher, nominated by Serra.

• Demetrius Griffin, Wolfe hall monitor, nominated by Serra.

• Erin Roddis, Wolfe social worker, nominated by Pearson.

• Aubrey Tardy, district psychologist, nominated by Pearson.