:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/LH7YYPMECTTBU3QPJIQ7KHJQWI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/FR2AAEN3IFLT5DSGIAYPSQLM3Y.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/FCOSW4GSCONMJS4P433P2EEKTE.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BCHQ3B4XZGNPD5OFX3UJOFYVUQ.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NDRV4SB5TZS2HW7GK5KYX6JLV4.jpg)
GRANVILLE — Last May, the annual Excellence in Education awards program hosted by the regional office of education was canceled due to COVID-19. Putnam County School District would still like to recognize those teachers and staff who missed out on being awarded during last spring’s celebration.
Primary school
Abby Cravatta is currently teaching first grade at Putnam County Primary School. This is her third year teaching at Putnam County Primary School, and fifth year teaching. Previously, she was a teacher for two years at Midland #7. She has coached seventh-grade volleyball and now she is co-leading the school’s activity committee. Cravatta steps up and volunteers to improve the building. She demonstrates natural leadership in the content and technology areas specifically through her own natural motivational and research-based methods. Her favorite part of teaching is creating a unique relationship with each student, and watching their curiosity for learning grow. Which is exactly why she deserves to be recognized as an Excellence in Education Teacher.
Elementary school
Valerie Peterson has been teaching fourth grade at Putnam County Elementary School for 20 years. She has been a tremendous asset to the district throughout her tenure. Peterson has been a teacher leader among her peers by mentoring new teachers and leading numerous committees throughout the years. Peterson is passionate about education and her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is second to none. Thank you for all that you do for your students and continued leadership.
Junior high
Brenda Shevokas has been selected to receive the Excellence in Education Award as the paraprofessional honoree this year. Shevokas has been a paraprofessional at Putnam County Junior High for 14 years. She is very dedicated to helping students succeed. Shevokas always goes above and beyond to help and support all students. She can be found in classrooms many days late after school helping to plan and organize learning opportunities for students to help them succeed. She is always willing to jump in and help out any student, or another staff member anyway she can. Congratulations to Shevokas on receiving this well-deserved honor.
Maricille Ellena has been selected to receive the Excellence in Education Award representing Putnam County Junior High. Ellena is the eighth grade math teacher. This is her third year at PCJH and her 10th year teaching. She has worked extremely hard to ensure the math curriculum is developing high-level critical thinking and problem solving skills, while preparing students for success in high school. Ellena works hard to develop positive relationships with all her students. She is always willing to give her time to help any student in need. Her passion for student success makes her well deserving of this recognition.
High school
Charles McConnell serves as a mathematics teacher at Putnam County High School, a position he has filled for the past 22 years. Within his role, McConnell consistently demonstrates a positive disposition and ensures the growth of all students by fostering a welcoming climate for learning. Through his words and actions, he displays a genuine care for students and fellow staff members. In addition to his role as teacher, McConnell serves as the cross country coach and boys track coach.
Carl Carlson is the superintendent of Putnam County CUSD #535.