Recognizing a Positive Impact

We recognize that our school community is serious about living, working and leading in alignment with the five Core Values expressed in the School Board’s Strategic Plan. We wanted a symbol to demonstrate the commitment to the values of Excellence, Creativity, Courage, Honor and Optimism. The ECCHO Award was born.

Exhibiting evidence of these values while presenting a positive impact on those around them was recognized by our School Board with the first presentation of an ECCHO Award to seven employees in October of 2014. ECCHO award winners have been recognized several times each school year since then and include a public recognition at a GCPS School Board meeting and a CTE-produced special piece to commemorate the recognition.

Our last round of ECCHO award winners in May of 2020 included:

Byrd Elementary 5th Grade Team:  Sherry Grady, Abby Jones, Lacey Crim, Deanna Nichols, Kristian Lull  nominated by Michelle Hope for CREATIVITY and OPTIMISM.  

Cheryl Johnston, 4th grade teacher at BES nominated by Emily Ray for EXCELLENCE and OPTIMISM.  

Johanna Schmiechel, Reading Specialist at RES nominated by Mary Kay Dinger for her HONOR and COURAGE.

Randy Burts, CTE teacher at GMS, nominated by Autumn Fesperman for CREATIVITY, OPTIMISM, AND EXCELLENCE.

Erin Woolard, special education teacher at GMS,  nominated by Emily Ferguson for her EXCELLENCE.

Jennifer Cosby, english teacher at GMS nominated by Cindy Matejka for her EXCELLENCE, COURAGE, HONOR, and OPTIMISM..

Cindy Matejka & Elizabeth Stephens, english teachers at GMS, nominated by Jennifer Cosby for EXCELLENCE.

Stephanie Deloach, math teacher and robotics coach at GHS,  by Ryan Maloney for EXCELLENCE.

Catherine Richards, ITC at GHS, nominated by Dr. Collier for her EXCELLENCE and CREATIVITY.

Rachel Wilborn, assistant principal at GHS, nominated by by Emily Holloway Costa and Dr. Collier for EXCELLENCE and CREATIVITY. 

Congratulations to these employees and all who distinguish our division!

Nominations Are Always Open

Community members, teachers, administrators, and staff can all nominate someone for an ECCHO Award. Nominate someone today!