PCE School-Related Employee of the Year Winner

***Click here to view photos from the 2021-2022 School-Related Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony***


Twenty-seven outstanding employees were honored during the Martin County School District's annual School-Related Employee of the Year Ceremony on January 20, 2022. The event was held at the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club in Stuart, Florida. 

Part of the Florida Department of Education's (FLDOE) collection of employee appreciation programs, the School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding educational support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools or departments.  

Mrs. Maria Salome Martinez, a secretary at Palm City Elementary School, was named the District's overall School-Related Employee of the Year. A valued member of the Palm City school community since 2017, Mrs. Martinez is known for her reliability and willingness to assist her colleagues whenever needed. Her name will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration in the state-level recognition program. 

"Mrs. Martinez maintains a high level of professionalism," said Lauren Rabener, Assistant Principal. "Many times, she offers to take on extra duties or to cover duties for her colleagues as needed.  Her positive energy spreads throughout the office and encourages others to go all in and support each other as well."

"Salome is the epitome of going above and beyond with her 'get it done' attitude," Science Lab teacher Elizabeth Atkinson shared. "She is a true leader and her spirit shines in all that she does.  She is careful and kind in her work, and in doing so, she radiates sunshine."

"I am proud to serve our children alongside so many outstanding employees in the Martin County School District," Superintendent John D. Millay said. "The team members that are being recognized this year are committed to supporting our students and school district to the very best of their ability, personifying what  '#ALLINMartin'  is all about. Ms. Martinez's willingness to go above and beyond in any circumstance and palpable positive energy make her more than deserving of this award.  I am honored to have her represent our school district as the 2021-2022 Employee of the Year."

Congratulations to the following 2021-2022 School-Related Employee of the Year site-level award winners:

  • Beau Cromer, Extended Day Manager - Bessey Creek Elementary School

  • Erica Patino, Data Entry Clerk - Citrus Grove Elementary School

  • Michael Nyarady, ESE Paraprofessional - Crystal Lake Elementary School

  • Maria Babcock, Home School Liaison - Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School

  • Pennie Hall, Guidance Clerk -  Felix A. Williams Elementary School

  • Thomas Gallagher, Field Maintenance Coordinator - Food & Nutrition Services

  • Annmarie Sperger, Paraprofessional - Hidden Oaks Middle School

  • Terri Ann Besing, Guidance Clerk/Data Entry - Hobe Sound Elementary School

  • Brannon Smith, Facility Support - The Hope Center for Autism

  • Minerva Rainford, Secretary to the Director - Human Resources

  • Antonia Lopez, Home School Liaison - Indiantown Middle School

  • Melanie Smith, Guidance Clerk - J.D. Parker Elementary School

  • Denise Caulkins, Food Service Manager - Jensen Beach Elementary School

  • Kristina Ward, Bookkeeper - Jensen Beach High School

  • Sandra Sedeno, Secretary - Maintenance Department

  • Debra Arnold, Paraprofessional - Martin County High School

  • Alma Soberanis, Health Assistant - Murray Middle School

  • Maria Salome Martinez, Secretary - Palm City Elementary School*

  • Damalis Herfurth, ELL Paraprofessional - Pinewood Elementary School

  • Rhonda Tobin, Paraprofessional - Port Salerno Elementary School

  • Jency Cerrato, Head Start Family Services Worker - Port Salerno Learning Center

  • Rosalie Reid, Secretary - Riverbend Academy

  • Edith Hernandez, Secretary - SeaWind Elementary School

  • Lesli Beard, Media Assistant - South Fork High School

  • John Vanilla, Plant Operator - Stuart Middle School

  • Natalie Hooper, Principal's Secretary - Warfield Elementary School

  • Ashley Plasencia, ESE Paraprofessional - Willoughby Learning Center


*Denotes overall 2021-2022 School-Related Employee of the Year award winner.