M-DCPS NAMES OFFICE EMPLOYEE, PARAPROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR


April 11, 2003


Miami-Dade County Public Schools honored its office employee and paraprofessional of the year at a ceremony Thursday at Signature Gardens in Miami.

Donna Fong, from Dr. Gilbert L. Porter Elementary School, was named office employee of the year. Fong, who has 13 years in the district, describes herself as energetic, loyal and humorous and lists the Odyssey of the Mind and Habitat for Humanity among her interests.

The runner-up was Karin C. Logan from Miami Beach Senior High. Logan has worked nine years in the school system, and lists her personal motto as "Every day above ground is a beautiful day."

Paraprofessionals assist and support classroom instruction and management activities and work under the supervision of a certified teacher. The paraprofessional of the year was Sandra Blackwell, a 28-year veteran from Ruth Owens Krusé Educational Center. She counts educational workshops such as "Effective Reading Strategies" as contributors to her professional growth.

The runner-up was Emiro Rafael Alvarez from Hialeah Middle School. He currently is enrolled at Florida Memorial College, majoring in education.

The competition is sponsored by the school district and United Teachers of Dade. Contributing to the event were Herff Jones, the Dade Association of School Administrators and the PTA/PTSA of Miami-Dade County.

For more information, contact the Bureau of Community Services at 305-995-1215.

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