Celebrating the Champions of the Ellsworth School Department: Meet our November 'High-Five Award' winners!
As we turn our heads towards the Holiday season and the New Year, it's time to recognize our High-Five Award winners from November who continue to go above and beyond in their work every day. At our November School Board meeting, we honored three amazing members of our team for the work they do each day to make our schools a better place for us and our students. These staff members were chosen for their extraordinary dedication, their never-wavering compassion, and the impact they've had and continue to have on our students and community. Their stories remind us what makes Ellsworth such a special place to learn, live, and grow.
Amanda Violette: Literacy Specialist - EEMS
Amanda has been nominated SIX times for her remarkable contributions and the dedication she brings each day. She supports both students and staff with energy and expertise and continuously steps into teaching roles when needed. At MTSS Tier 1 meetings, Amanda has been the driving force behind our focus on word study and vocabulary. The ready-to-use resources she creates and hands-on support she gives teachers blooms confidence in classrooms and helps students grow. Her contagious positivity and dedication make her an invaluable leader and teammate.
Hope High: Guidance Counselor - HCTC
Hope’s impact is felt across HCTC and beyond! She guides countless students through the scholarship process each year as they set their sights on higher education. As leader of the Bridge Academy program, Hope connects students to concurrent enrollment courses and CTE experiences, organizes parent information nights, and facilitates monthly meetings with guidance counselors across the county. Her student-first mentality and unwavering commitment have helped grow enrollment and strengthen connections between our schools.
Amy VanDorn: School Social Worker - EHS
Amy consistently demonstrates excellence in her work with students and families. As the coordinator for our McKinney-Vento population, she partners with state and local agencies to support families in crisis. Amy also advises the Yellow Tulip Project, helping to break the stigma around mental health, and recently joined our attendance team, creating a monthly newsletter for the district. Known for her kindness, respect, and her always open door, Amy listens deeply and builds lasting relationships with students, even after graduation!