As this school year comes to an end, ESS has selected and awarded winners for our 10th Annual Impact Awards! The Impact Award was created in 2014 to recognize employees based on frequency of work, feedback from our partner school district(s), and a commitment to exceed the expectations of their role.
This year, we honored five individuals who make an impact on the schools they serve every day. With a positive attitude, they perpetually perform above and beyond their assigned duties. The 2024 honorees were each recognized at their school districts, where they received a $1000 cash prize, an additional $500 to donate to their school of choice, and a crystal apple trophy.
Without further adieu, here are this year’s winners (in no particular order):
Gayle Hughes
Marquette Area Public Schools, MI
Gayle has been a substitute with ESS since 2022. Since joining ESS, she has filled over 100 absences. She primarily serves Graveraet Elementary School in Marquette Area Public Schools in Michigan. She decided to honor the school by selecting them to receive the $500 donation check.
Kristen Peterson, Graveraet Elementary School Principal, said: “Our school is so fortunate to have Gayle Hughes as a substitute teacher. Gayle is not only an amazing educator but also a wonderful person and human being. Gayle is willing to help out anywhere from the classroom to the lunchroom to the playground! She can teach and work with students of any grade level or ability. In addition, Gayle is a mentor and coach for so many of our teachers. She has a deep knowledge of teaching and learning and also an understanding of the social and emotional needs of students. Furthermore, Gayle volunteers her time at our evening family nights and has been known to take work home or stay after hours to prepare materials! Our school, teachers, and students are blessed because Gayle is our roving substitute teacher and she is so deserving of this award and recognition!”
Annie Gasdon
School District of Philadelphia, PA
Since joining ESS in 2022, Annie has filled over 300 absences. She primarily serves Paul Robeson High School in the School District of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. She decided to honor the school by selecting them to receive the $500 donation check.
Ms. Hopkins, a History Teacher at Paul Robeson High School, said: “Ms. Gadson is a wealth of knowledge. She has been in the district for several years and although she has retired, she is still ready, willing, and able to go and do what needs to be done! She genuinely cares for the students and the staff. The students adore her and respect her. She has gained the universal name of “Grandma” of the building. She takes her time with the students and works with them on a level that goes above and beyond a regular guest teacher. She adds warmth and depth to the classroom and the entire school.”
Brianna Haddad
Frisco Independent School District, TX
Brianna has been a substitute with ESS since 2021. Since joining ESS, she has filled over 200 absences. She primarily serves Purefoy Elementary School in Frisco ISD in Texas. She decided to honor the school by selecting them to receive the $500 donation check.
Brianna received an astounding 26 nominations for the Impact Award! Amy Parra, Resource Teacher at Purefoy Elementary School, said: “Brie is a valuable human being with a heart for children. She demonstrates love, support, determination, enthusiasm, and joy when she is in the school subbing for gen education or in the resource special education classes. She displays a happy and confident educator who is upbeat and delighted to be in each class. Brie has a non-judgemental attitude that drives her ability to create an atmosphere of accepting all students. She works with energy that is easily felt among the classrooms and students. Brie is adaptable to change and the rearrangement of schedules. She is overall a go-getter person who strives to help, support, motivate, and inspire the students she is working with, as well as the colleagues by her side. Brie goes above and beyond in all she does. She is a valuable asset to Purefoy Elementary.”
Lisa Prince
Iredell-Statesville School District, NC
Since joining ESS in 2021, Lisa has filled over 500 absences. She primarily serves Lake Norman High School in the Iredell-Statesville School District. She decided to honor the school by selecting them to receive the $500 donation check.
Bill Shapcott, Principal of Lake Norman High School, said: “As a long-term substitute teacher at our school, Mrs. Lisa Prince has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a profound commitment to her students’ success.
Mrs. Prince’s approach to teaching goes far beyond the ordinary. She possesses a unique ability to engage students across a spectrum of abilities, from those struggling with low grades to high achievers. Her high expectations and unwavering motivation create an environment where all students feel valued and challenged.
In her current role teaching biology and in her previous assignment in the computers and business classroom last year, Mrs. Prince has proven to be thoroughly prepared daily. She collaborates seamlessly with the professional learning community team members, ensuring her students receive the best possible lessons and instruction.
What truly sets Mrs. Prince apart is her commitment to understanding each student’s individual needs. She identifies the root causes behind academic challenges, swiftly adjusts her teaching methods, and provides additional support when necessary. Mrs. Prince’s proactive and adaptive approach has resulted in students meeting expectations and excelling in their academic endeavors.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Prince actively participates in school events, attends sporting events, and supports her students in extracurricular activities. This genuine interest in the well-being of her students contributes to the strong relationships she builds quickly, making her a respected figure in our school community.
Mrs. Prince’s impact extends beyond the academic realm; former students consistently express their gratitude by visiting her during Open House events or the school day, sharing fond memories of their time in her class.
In conclusion, Mrs. Lisa Prince exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding teacher. Her dedication, passion, and ability to connect with students make her an ideal candidate for the 2023/2024 Impact Award. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this well-deserved recognition.”
Julimarie Thomas
Medford School District, OR
Julimarie has been a substitute with ESS since 2023. Since joining ESS, she has filled nearly 100 absences. She primarily serves Innovation Academy in Medford School District in Oregon. She decided to honor the school by selecting them to receive the $500 donation check.
Morgan Davidson, Office Manager at Innovation Academy, said: “Julimarie Thomas is our favorite ESS substitute teacher! She is an inspiration, motivator, and force. She has a great passion for teaching and you cannot help but be in awe of the profound and kind heart this woman has. She is reliable, kind, and has a way of helping others find strength and pride in themselves that they may not realize they have had. I see the way she works with our students and how she challenges them to be successful and grow. She helps students learn by meeting them where they are at. We are so grateful each time she agrees to take a sub job with us. She goes above and beyond each time she shows up and lights up a room. We hope you consider her for this award because she makes an impact on us, staff and students alike.”
