Boundary Street Elementary's Ann Clamp was recognized as their support staff employee Nov. 8 at the district's reception. Here she is pictured with Jody Hamm, board chair, and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Pat Fulmer was honored as Mid-Carolina Middle's support staff employee of the year at Nov. 8's district reception. Fulmer received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Kajah Brown was honored as Prosperity-Rikard's support staff employee of the year at Nov. 8's district reception. Brown received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair, Bennie Bennett, superintendent and Walt McLeod, District 40 Rep.

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Janet Ward was honored as Newberry High's support staff employee of the year at Nov. 8's district reception. Ward received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Joan Morris was runner-up for the overall support staff employee of the year and was honored Nov. 8. She received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Jennifer Hix was honored as Whitmire Community's support staff employee at Nov. 8's district reception. Hix received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Ellen Mack was honored as Newberry Middle's support staff employee of the year Nov. 8 at the district's reception. Mack received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Doretha Simpson was honored as the school district's support staff overall employee of the year and is the secretary to the superintendent and school board. Simpson received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Cheryl Cregger from Little Mountain Elementary was recognized as the support staff employee at her school Nov. 8 at the district's reception. Cregger received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair, and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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Bootsey Bryant from Gallman Elementary was recognized as the support staff employee at her school Nov. 8 at the district's reception. Bryant received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair, Bennie Bennett, superintendent and Walt McLeod, District 40 Rep.

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Serena Caldwell was honored as Pomaria-Garmany's support staff employee of the year at Nov. 8's district reception. Caldwell received her award from Jody Hamm, board chair and Bennie Bennett, superintendent.

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NEWBERRY — Support staff employees were honored from each school at the school district’s annual reception.

The reception honored teachers of the year as well who were honored in a previous edition of The Newberry Observer.

The overall winner for the Support Staff Employee of the Year was Doretha Simpson who works as the secretary to the superintendent and the school board.

Simpson has been with the district for more than 36 years and is also a graduate of Gallman High.

The Newberry County native admitted to being “stunned” but continues by saying “I am very pleased to be recognized because you considered me to most worthy.”

“To be acknowledged as district support staff employee of the year is an honor beyond words,” Simpson said.

Simpson points to how her parents raised her as a positive influence.

“The qualities instilled in me by my parents raised me to believe everyone makes a difference. They brought me to this point. Thank you for your trust in me,” said Simpson.

Newberry County’s Superintendent Bennie Bennett said, “I respect her for the person she is. She cares about people regardless of where they come from. She cares about the school district.”

Bennett continues by saying that Simpson, who serves in many professional administrative organizations, handles her job and situations with professionalism and respect.

The district also chose a runner-up, Joan Morris, who works as an instructional assistant at Newberry Elementary.

Morris has held that job for 15 years.