Originally Posted on March 1, 2014
By Rafael Guerrero / Yakima Herald-Republic
rguerrero@yakimaherald.com
Donna Kelly
YAKIMA, Wash. — Stanton Academy employee Donna Kelly has been selected as Educational Service District 105’s Classified School Employee of the Year, the nonprofit education body announced Friday.
Kelly was recognized by the Yakima school board during a site visit to the alternative school Friday. The ESD districts recognize classified employees, such as counselors, custodians, bus drivers and other classified personnel, through the annual award.
She is a guidance specialist who in the past year created a senior project book that simplifies student expectations, assisted students in organizing their senior projects and helped organize the school’s college and career center. She first started working at Stanton in 1999.
“To create trust, I must meet students right where they are, and begin to build relationships,” wrote Kelly in a news release. “All students deserve to feel accepted and valued. Then, education can occur. My main job is to connect with students and help them toward graduation.”
Kelly is one of nine state winners who are now under consideration for the Washington State Classified Employee of the Year award. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will announce the winner near the end of April at a special reception in Olympia.