10 Harford County Public Schools Employees Named 2017 Support Services Superstars

Back

Recognition program sponsored by Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union

Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce its 2017 Support Services Superstar Award recipients:

Debra L. Brockmeyer, Application Support Analyst, Office of Technology
Debbie Brockmeyer has served students, teachers, and staff as a member of the Instructional Technology Team for four years. Debbie contributes daily to staff productivity and student learning as she supports itslearning technical processes, develops efficient processes, supports teachers using technology through professional development, and manages over 1,800 Apple products in the district. Through Microsoft, she has become Master Certified as a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist.

Maggie J. Cohen, Administrative Support Technician, Office of Operations
Maggie Cohen is a person who honestly enjoys coming into work every day! She may not possess a variety of college degrees, committee certificates, or stellar awards; however, she is one that enjoys serving the HCPS community and will always exceed expectations absent of a formal acknowledgement. Maggie works diligently to ensure she meets the public's expectations; her positive reputation and level of commitment is often acknowledged by those who interact with her. She genuinely looks for opportunities to help her family within the HCPS community wherever possible.

Jacqueline M. Frye, Administrative Support Specialist, Ring Factory Elementary
Jackie Frye started with HCPS as a part-time secretary in the Professional Development Office in 2011. She transferred to Ring Factory Elementary School as the Lead Secretary in 2012. Prior to working for HCPS, she stayed at home and volunteered at RFES where her two children attended. Jackie studied Computer Information Systems at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and, prior to staying home, she was as an Administrative Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of T. Rowe Price Associates.

Mijiza A. Green, Paraeducator Special Education, Magnolia Middle School
Mijiza Green is a Paraeducator at Magnolia Middle School, providing support to the classroom and mentoring girls who are struggling emotionally and academically. A graduate of CCBC and owner of Planting Seeds Community Outreach, she started her career in HCPS in 2012 as an afterschool program director of Treasured Jewels all girls mentor program, designed to influence the lives of young women. Today Mrs. Green collaborates with EPICENTER, SARC, Community Services, and more to continue her impact in Harford County. Mrs. Green is living her dream as an educator, a mentor and giving back to her community.

Joyce E. Jablecki, Administrative Support Technician, Office of Curriculum
Joyce Jablecki has served Harford County Public Schools for 20 years, beginning in 1997 as an administrative assistant for the Office of Early Childhood Education. Over the past 17 years, she has served as administrative assistant in the Grants and Partnerships Office helping to secure millions of dollars in competitive grant funding and additional partnerships designed to increase student success. She manages inquiries and requests for assistance from hundreds of non-profit organizations, businesses, and Harford County government agencies working to expand community support for HCPS students. Joyce has been a resident of Harford County for over 25 years.

Frances C. Joyner, Paraeducator, Alternative Education Program at the Center for Educational Opportunity
Ms. Joyner is a Paraeducator at the Alternative Education and Twilight Programs celebrating sixteen years with HCPS. Ms. Joyner has worked with all students to ensure academic success. Ms. Joyner's specialty is empowering and motivating students that struggle in their academic and social environments. Ms. Joyner earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Harford Community College. She serves as a Delegate for HCSEC, is a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Havre de Grace, and volunteers on the Soup Kitchen Ministry. Ms. Joyner inspires and motivates individuals to aim high and believe in themselves.

Elizabeth A. Mink, Administrative Support Coordinator, Office of Business Services
Beth Mink was a bookkeeper for seven years before joining Aberdeen Middle as a secretary in 2005. In 2012, Beth moved to the Communications Office where she supported system-wide programs such as Teacher of the Year. Beth went back to school to earn her associate degree from HCC in 2013, and, along with her daughter, was part of the first class to graduate in the new APGFCU Arena. Beth missed working with financials, so in 2015 she accepted a promotion to the Business Services Office where she currently works. Beth's favorite part of working for HCPS is knowing she is supporting the community where she was raised.

Sharon L. Mitchell, Administrative Support Specialist, North Bend Elementary School
Sharon Mitchell, born and raised in Maryland, is a graduate of Overlea Senior High School. She and her husband of 47 years moved their family to Harford County 35 years ago with their two daughters, enrolling them in Jarrettsville Elementary School and as they say, "never looked back". Sharon began her career with Harford County Public School as a long-term clerical sub and became the Lead Secretary at North Bend Elementary in September of 1991 when the school opened. Sharon has throughly enjoyed working with the numerous students, faculty, staff, and parents she has met over the past 32 years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family. Sharon plans to continue to work with HCPS and then retire and travel the United States with her husband.

James O. Tinsman, Distribution Center Associate I, Office of Purchasing
Jim Tinsman began his tenure with Harford County Public Schools on his forty-eighth birthday in November 2001. He was hired as a Grounds & Equipment Maintenance Associate. After driving a tractor-trailer for thirteen years Jim wanted to find something closer to home. In April of 2007 Jim became a Distribution Associate at the Forest Hill Distribution Center. During the course of his duties, he discovered he truly enjoyed meeting so many great people serving the youth of Harford County. Jim especially excelled at the courier position because he learned that most people appreciate courteous service. Jim has always been kind and considerate to his fellow employees and is never in such a hurry that he cannot pick-up an extra box or violin for delivery to another school or central office.

Stephanie M. Williams, Graphic Design and Technical Specialist, Office of Communications
Stephanie Williams joined Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) as graphic design and technical specialist in July 2015. She graduated cum laude from Coastal Carolina University with a bachelor of arts in graphic design. Stephanie has worked with many departments and schools across the system to ensure a cohesive visual representation of HCPS. Her efforts have led to winning several design awards at the regional and national levels, from the Chesapeake Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (CHESPRA) and the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). In addition to working for HCPS, Stephanie volunteers her skillset designing flyers and other promotional materials for nonprofit organizations.

This employee recognition program is an opportunity for HCPS stakeholders to recognize support services employees. Nominations were accepted during September 2017. Then, a panel of judges reviewed all nominations submitted and identified a list of finalists to recommend to the Superintendent of Schools. The winners were notified during a surprise office visit and check presentation on November 15, 2017 – Education Support Professionals Day.

APG Federal Credit Union (APGFCU) is the proud financial sponsor of HCPS Support Services Superstar Awards. The 10 award recipients received $200 each, and their supervisors were given $100 to host a celebration for the recipient at their work location.

The awards were based on nominated employees demonstrating at least one of the following criteria:

Exemplary performance, outstanding achievements, or accomplishments
Exemplary role model to include outstanding customer service, collaboration, and positive attitude
Cost savings or ideas that contribute to increased efficiency
Design and implementation of new systems or processes

All HCPS regular support staff employees (clerical support, instructional support, central office support, operational support, etc.) who have successfully completed one year of continuous service with the organization are eligible for the annual award.

Back