Nominate Someone

Who Influences you?

UCPS is revamping its employee recognition program and we want to know who influences you? We invite our employees, students, parents and community members to nominate a Union County Public Schools employee for our monthly "UCPS Influencers" recognition program. The purpose of this award is to recognize employees who exemplify outstanding service through his or her work and influences others.

WE INVITE YOU TO FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM TO NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY.

Nomination
Heather Hooks Millis, June 2022 UCPS Influencer
Heather Hooks Millis was chosen as a June 2022 UCPS Influencer. "Ms. Millis is willing to do whatever it takes for anyone every day! She is an Exceptional Children assistant but has just stepped into our Exceptional Children testing facilitator role. Ms. Millis takes the students to their worksites, coaches sports and steps up to help anyone that needs help with their job. Recently, she ran the media center in the absence of our media coordinator. She is a Jack of all trades and uses that to help others. In all my years at Forest Hills, I have never seen someone as flexible in their work environment and so willing to help out others outside of her job title and expectations.
Marc Pooler, June 2022 UCPS Influencer
Marc Pooler was selected as a June 2022 UCPS Influencer. "Thank you, Mr. Pooler, for being my favorite and most fun teacher I have had this year. You have taught me a lot about astronomy and life as a bonus. I liked how you would make jokes with everyone in the class without making anyone feel excluded. I also enjoyed the subject itself and how you taught it. Though it was a lot of work it was taught well."
Meagan Plyler
Meagan Plyler, a teacher at Waxhaw Elementary, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (May 2022). Mrs. Plyler is a third-grade teacher at Waxhaw Elementary, formerly a second-grade teacher, and this is my third year having her as a teacher to my children. From the second they set foot in her classroom, Mrs. Plyler makes sure every child leaves knowing they are special, heard and that their teacher believes in them. My youngest child was in second grade with her when COVID prevented in-person instruction. She implemented engaging, hands-on lessons that made students feel like they were still in the classroom, giving a sense of normalcy during a very uneasy time. Because of her, my children have gained confidence as a learner and as individuals. She inspired them to be their best, celebrate each achievement and encourage their friends. My family is grateful to have had Mrs. Plyler in our lives.
William Thompson
William Thompson, a community liaison at Cuthbertson Middle, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (May 2022). William Thompson is an inspiration for our entire community. He is better known as O.T. and has worked at Cuthbertson Middle for four years as a community liaison. Looking for a way to give back to the community, O.T. joined our staff in a mentorship role for our students. O.T. loves our students and strives to assist them in not only growing as a student but developing into the best possible version they can be. When O.T. is not mentoring students, he has been known to make lunch in the cafeteria, teach class, clean the cafeteria, sweep the hallway and stay for basketball games in the evenings. O.T. is an unbelievable person whose main goal is to help in any way he can. Cuthbertson Middle is fortunate to have him on staff.
Corrine Colon, April 2022 UCPS Influencer
Corrine Colon, a teacher at Parkwood High, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (April 2022). “Ms. Colon is my son's Exceptional Children’s coordinator. She is not just a teacher at the school; she is invested personally. She has always and continues to go the extra mile for her students. We are fortunate enough to have her be the Exceptional Children’s coordinator at Parkwood. She treats the children like she would treat her own. No matter her workload, she is always available to discuss any concerns and or needs of my student. Her personal and professional investment reflects in the children's success. I could not ask for a better leader, teacher or mentor for my child. Thank you never seems to be enough. I have seen firsthand how she is changing and enhancing lives. She truly is amazing and I'm so thankful that we are privileged to have her at Parkwood.”
Christine Skrutowski, April 2022 UCPS Influencer
Christine Skrutowski, a nurse supervisor at Central Services, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (April 2022). “Christine is an inspiration to me for her tenacity, strength and leadership during one of the most difficult times in school nursing history. COVID was a game-changer for nursing in the schools. She has been an outstanding leader during this time when nursing roles were changing quickly and frequently. Christine met the challenges with grace and patience. A true leader is someone who gets in the trenches with you and she did. The COVID response required ever-changing protocols; hiring of additional staff; writing protocols and instructing staff on how to implement them; physically and emotionally supporting nurses; developing a COVID helpline for the community and the district; scheduling vaccination for staff and reporting tons of data to the entities requesting it. Even when we were all pushed past our breaking points, she bent and did not snap. She repeatedly encouraged us and worked hard to support us. I am so thankful she was one of my supervisors during one of the toughest work situations I have ever been in. She inspires teamwork. Christine is a great nurse and a great human. We are lucky to have her at UCPS.”
Bea Householder
Bea Householder, a teacher at Poplin Elementary, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (March 2022). “We are so thankful for Bea Householder! Our son had a horrible start adjusting to third grade. It was a nightmare. He was filled with anxiety about school. Mrs. Householder worked with him for weeks just getting him to enter her room and stay calm. She was essential in creating the best plan for him. She gave great insight and made sure she did everything in her power to get him the help he needed, emotionally and educationally. He has now made a total 180 since the beginning of the school year. He LOVES going to school. He has been involved in lots of extracurricular activities and has shown so much independence and confidence. She has gone above and beyond for him. She’s helped him in the classroom in ways we didn’t even know he needed. She offers him all of the extra help he needs and we are so very grateful. She is very fair to all of her children. I know she treats all her other students the same way. This is the type of teacher I want my children to have every year!”
Photo of Candi Bunch, February 2022 UCPS Influencer
Candi Bunch, curriculum assistant at Central Services, has been selected as a UCPS Influencer (February 2022). "Candi inspires me because of her expertise in making relationships matter in her role as Curriculum Assistant. She communicates with all UCPS schools in order to meet the curriculum and instructional needs presented. She has helped me, as a new Director, to get up on my feet and find forward momentum. Her positivity is greatly noticed and appreciated. She is a valued member of our Curriculum Team!"
Kelly Mills, February 2022 UCPS Influencer
Kelly Mills from Cuthbertson High School has been selected as a UCPS Influencer (February 2022). "Mrs. Mills is passionate about helping and supporting the students at Cuthbertson High School. She is attentive to students’ needs, communicates with parents openly and is available and responsive every day. Mrs. Mills volunteers tirelessly for after school events, such as athletics, supports students who are quarantined with their academics, and provides a welcoming and safe space for students who are struggling emotionally. Mrs. Mills is truly an asset to CHS and we are so grateful she is guiding our CHS students!"
Veronica Weathers
Mrs. Veronica Weathers inspires me for several reasons. Mrs. Weathers takes her position as a UCPS ASP Coordinator seriously. She puts the safety and care of her children in the after school program above anything else. Not only does she have a passion for the children in the program by making sure that she advocates for them tirelessly, but for her staff also. She knows how to effectively collaborate with the administrators in order to create a seamless working environment for the children and staff of the after school program, which is very important. But not only in the ASP program does she work hard! Mrs. Weathers is also a volunteer in the local community programs and in surrounding areas. Everyone is important to her. She loves to help others. She has a passion and gift to lead and create leaders. She honestly models the desired behavior that she wants to see at her site and within the ASP program. I love how she teaches her kids to express themselves (self-reflection) in positive ways by allowing them to engage with her in fun, meaningful conversations and storytelling. This shows her support and acceptance of the children and it also teaches them how to reciprocate. Mrs. Weathers is a dedicated leader, teacher, and nurturer whom rarely if ever heard complain about personal, job, or other issues. She sets the stage for her site with a big smile, laughter, and a big heart! It was a real pleasure to work with her."
Jill Brooks, band teacher at Weddington High
Jill Brooks, band director at Weddington High, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (March 2020). Jill Brooks came to the Weddington band program in 2012, at a time when I had just turned 40 and was questioning whether to keep teaching due to potential burnout. Jill was 26 years old at the time and her youthful energy was contagious. Her focus and drive reminded me why I began teaching in the first place, and now I can’t imagine being at Weddington without her. Over the past eight years, Jill has built a successful career at Weddington and has an amazing rapport with her students. However, for me, Jill is special because she inspired me to keep teaching, and I am thankful that she helped me find my love for my profession once again. Jill, thank you for all that you do. You’re not only an inspiration to your students, but you continue to inspire me as well."
Scottie Little, custodian at Marvin Ridge Middle
Scottie Little, lead custodian at Marvin Ridge Middle, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (March 2020). Scotty Little always goes out of his way to be extra helpful and friendly, and he always greets everyone with a warm smile and positivity. In the past, Scotty has helped me set up for spirit wear many times and has been happily available to help me afterwards. This is the first year that I haven’t had a chance to visit Marvin Ridge Middle and I truly miss his wonderful personality. However, I do see him directing traffic for the high school and middle school in the afternoons. You can’t help but to feel cheerful when you see him happily (and again smiling) keep us all safe as we enter and exit the school. The fact that he received not one but two UCPS Influencer nominations speaks to the positive impact that he makes on students, his colleagues and Marvin Ridge families every single day. Thank you, Scotty, for all that you do. You are definitely an asset to Marvin Ridge Middle and they are truly blessed to have such a positive influence at their school."
Paul Warner, bus driver at Kensington Elementary
Paul Warner, bus driver at Kensington Elementary, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (February 2020). "Mr. Warner is devoted to all of the students he drives to and from school every day. He views each child as one of his own. He is always willing to go the extra mile, from returning a jacket or lunchbox that was left on his bus to driving an extra afternoon route to ensure all students arrive home safely. It’s impossible to mention all the extras Mr. Warner does during his day but I think this letter from a student says it all: Dear Mr. Paul, You are the best bus driver in the whole world. You are the best. I hope I stay on this bus forever and ever. You’re so nice and cool. I want to be just like you when I grow up. This bus is like my happy place. Thank you so much for keeping me safe and thank you for driving me to my house and school. As you can see, Mr. Warner is influencing the lives of our students each and every day, and is so deserving of this award. Thank you, Mr. Warner, for all that you do."
Frank Casstevens, arts coordinator at Benton Heights Elementary, was selected as a UCPS Influencer for February 2020.
Frank Casstevens, arts coordinator at Benton Heights Elementary, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (February 2020). "I will never forget my first day of kindergarten at Benton Heights. I was apprehensive about everything, especially being around tons of new people that I had never met. I walked into the music room with my class, and that is when I saw Frank Casstevens. Anyone who knows Frank understands how his smile and positive attitude can light up even the darkest of rooms. As a young student, his smile made my first day of kindergarten better and I had the pleasure of being a student in his music class until third grade. Fast forward to now. Today, I am 31 years old and have earned a degree in education. I am honored to call Frank not only a mentor but also a friend. I became an educator because of people like him, who made the choice to come to school every single day with a smile and a positive attitude. I became an educator so that I could have that same positive attitude with students and have an influence over their lives the way that Frank Casstevens has had over mine. I can think of no other person who deserves recognition the way that this man deserves it."
Marcus Clyburn, Forest Hills High
Marcus Clyburn, counselor at Forest Hills High, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (January 2020). "Mr. Clyburn is one of my teachers. He is hard on me at times but I know that’s what I need. Mr. Clyburn wants me to do well not only in school but also in life. He is a positive role model in my life and I want to thank him for all he has done for me. I know that no matter what, he will be there to help me through anything. At the beginning of the year, Mr. Clyburn told the class about himself and his upbringing. His upbringing was similar to my life now. I know now that’s why he pushes me so hard because he believes that I can and will do great things in life."
Ashley Rossman, math teacher at Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle
Ashley Rossman, math teacher at Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (January 2020). "Mrs. Rossman has been an inspiration in my son’s life. When my son experienced academic difficulties and began to lose confidence in his academic abilities, Mrs. Rossman immediately stepped in and offered to tutor him in math. When she began to work with my son, her dedication and influence exceeded the limits. She raised my son’s academic abilities like no one had ever done. In fact, he ended the school year with a high 4 on his EOGs. Thanks to Mrs. Rossman, my son’s self-esteem was raised and he has overcome barriers. Every day, my son has a purpose and that purpose is to walk into Mrs. Rossman’s class and do his best – not only for him but to also show her how a caring, loving teacher can impact the life of a child. Believe it or not, my son now wants to be a math teacher one day just to do what Mrs. Rossman did for him – pick someone up and rise them to the top."
"Mrs. Norton helped bring a spirit to band that was never there before. In the morning, her office is the place to be with anything from a boom whacker choir rehearsal, to an intense discussion of modern literature. She is always accepting of everyone no matter of what their history is. She continues to pursue excellence and make band the best thing it can be!"
Frank Hinson, bus driver for the Porter Ridge cluster, was selected as a March 2022 UCPS Influencer.
Frank Hinson, a bus driver for the Piedmont and Porter Ridge cluster schools, was selected as a UCPS Influencer (March 2022). “On Jan. 20, one of Frank’s high school students had a medical emergency. He stayed calm and knew he needed to get her medical attention. He radioed me for 911 assistance. I called Emergency Medical Services who got there to help the student. Mr. Hinson was composed on the radio and handled the situation correctly and efficiently.”

UNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

400 N. Church Street / Monroe, NC 28112
P 704-296-9898 / F 704-282-2171
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