Avondale School District is proud to announce the outstanding Support Staff of the Year nominees from each of our schools. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication and make a profound impact on the lives of our students, staff, and community. Their hard work and commitment ensure our schools remain supportive, engaging, and focused on student success.
Please join us in congratulating the following Support Staff of the Year nominees:
Avondale High School: Denise Scrase, Athletic Secretary & Facilities Rental Coordinator
Avondale Middle School: Lisa Locker, Paraeducator
Avondale GATE Magnet School: Vicki Bennett, Food Service Lunch Aide
Auburn Elementary School: Maria Mora, English Language Development (ELD) Paraeducator
Deerfield Elementary School: Renee Williams, English Language Development (ELD) Paraeducator
R. Grant Graham Elementary School: Georgia Brown, Building Substitute Teacher
Woodland Elementary School: Dawn Montano, Attendance Secretary
Avondale High School: Denise Scrase, Athletic Secretary & Facilities Rental Coordinator
Denise has been an essential part of the Avondale High School community for over five years. In her dual role as Athletic Secretary and Facilities Rental Coordinator, she keeps the entire athletic program running smoothly. Beyond her official duties, Denise is an active volunteer, serving as the Avondale Theater Boosters Secretary, a Board Member of the Avondale Mom Squad, and the President of the Athletic Booster Club from 2016 to 2018. She works tirelessly to ensure students have the supplies they need to participate in sports, offering emotional support to athletes, and even organizing college visits. She also supports various school programs, working gates and concessions at events and volunteering for the theater program. Denise’s impact goes beyond her job description, touching the lives of countless students, staff, and families.
Avondale Middle School: Lisa Locker, Paraeducator
With more than a decade of experience in education, Lisa Locker is a true team player at Avondale Middle School. As a paraeducator, Lisa works closely with students in detention and in-school suspension, holding them accountable while providing the support they need to succeed. Her commitment to her students extends beyond her official duties; she also assists with hall monitoring, cafeteria duty, sports supervision, and more. Lisa’s reliability and flexibility make her an essential part of the school team. She is known for stepping in wherever needed with a positive attitude, making her a trusted and respected member of the staff. Lisa’s dedication helps ensure that the school runs smoothly, and her willingness to take on new challenges sets a strong example for others.
Avondale GATE Magnet School: Vicki Bennett, Food Service Lunch Aide
Vicki Bennett is the heart of the lunchroom at Avondale GATE Magnet School. She brings a sense of joy and warmth to her role as a food service lunch aide, ensuring that students have a positive and pleasant experience during lunchtime. Vicki takes the time to connect with every student, making sure they feel at ease, and creates an environment where they can relax and enjoy their meal. She handles any challenges with professionalism and grace, always maintaining a calm and friendly demeanor. Her reliability and dedication ensure that lunch runs smoothly every day, but it’s her ability to foster relationships with students and her genuine care for their well-being that makes her truly stand out.
Auburn Elementary School: Maria Mora, English Language Development (ELD) Paraeducator
Maria Mora’s dedication to supporting English Learners (EL) students at Auburn Elementary is truly inspiring. Maria works to make sure that students feel both valued and empowered in their academic journey, providing the extra academic, social, and emotional support they need. She has a unique ability to build lasting relationships with students and families, making her a trusted advocate and resource within the community. Maria consistently goes above and beyond by staying after hours to assist students struggling with language comprehension, and she continuously collaborates with teachers and administrators to ensure each child’s needs are met. Her compassion and commitment have helped countless students overcome challenges and thrive in the classroom.
Deerfield Elementary School: Renee Williams, English Language Development (ELD) Paraeducator
Renee Williams goes above and beyond in her role as an English Language Development (ELD) Paraeducator at Deerfield Elementary. Renee's passion for helping students learn English is evident in everything she does. She creates custom learning materials, such as visual aids and vocabulary lists, to support her students and ensure they are engaged in their learning. Renee also stays after school to provide additional tutoring for students who need extra help, ensuring no student is left behind. Beyond her classroom duties, Renee actively participates in school-wide cultural events, helping students and families feel more integrated and supported within the community. Her kindness, dedication, and desire to create an inclusive environment make Renee a truly outstanding support staff member.
R. Grant Graham Elementary School: Georgia Brown, Building Substitute Teacher
Mrs. Georgia Brown is an incredibly flexible and dependable member of the Graham Elementary team. As a building substitute teacher, she fills in whenever needed, providing a sense of consistency and calm to the students she supports. She takes time to understand each classroom’s needs, following lesson plans meticulously and providing engaging and meaningful activities. Georgia is known for her warm and supportive approach, creating a safe environment where students can focus on learning. Her ability to connect with students and foster positive relationships makes her an invaluable member of the Graham staff, ensuring every child feels safe and valued when their regular teacher is absent.
Woodland Elementary School: Dawn Montano, Attendance Secretary
Dawn Montano’s commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of Woodland Elementary has earned her a reputation as one of their most dedicated staff members. As the Attendance Secretary for the past 10 years, Dawn plays a vital role in maintaining accurate records, managing communication with families, and ensuring student safety. Beyond her regular responsibilities, she consistently goes above and beyond, offering her time and assistance with school events, staying late to help with various tasks, and writing the school newsletter. Dawn’s positive attitude, organizational skills, and deep care for the school community make her an irreplaceable member of the team.
After careful consideration of all these remarkable nominees, we are proud to announce Denise Scrase as the 2024-2025 Support Staff Person of the Year for the Avondale School District. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Denise’s exceptional contributions to the district and the lasting impact she has had on our students and staff.
As Avondale’s nominee, Denise will move forward in the Oakland County nomination process, where the Oakland Schools Education Foundation and Oakland Schools will evaluate candidates based on a comprehensive rubric. The winners will be honored at the Oakland County Outstanding Support Staff Person of the Year Ceremony in May.
We are excited to celebrate Denise and all of our Support Staff of the Year nominees at a special Board Meeting in May. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making Avondale a wonderful place for students and staff alike deserve our deepest appreciation.
Please join us in congratulating Denise Scrase and all of our school nominees on this well-deserved recognition!
