HAMLET — Inspiring Excellence Awards were presented at the November School Board meeting to four standout educators and staff members whose dedication continues to elevate Richmond County Schools: Caitlyn Martin and Vina Capel of L.J. Bell Elementary School, and Amanda Defibaugh and Sally Morman of Cordova Middle School.
Cordova Middle School Principal Scott Witherow first recognized Amanda Defibaugh.
“Miss D, as the kids refer to her, values her students and instills in them with confidence in science lessons that students need to feel successful. She engages them in other curricular areas as well, while supporting the ELA content area with factual readings and skills needed to address non-fiction text structures. She assists in math instruction and tutoring as well. Her lessons are engaging and her room is a buzz with learning. She works to get grant funding for areas of science to enhance the learning for the kids and volunteers to help out with sports scoring in her free time. She plans to start a science club after school to further engage students in the curriculum and the methods of scientific thinking, learning and exploring,” said Witherow.
Sally Morman, head custodian at Cordova Middle, was also honored for being a vital asset to both students and staff.
“She maintains a continually clean environment for the students and staff. She’s always willing to jump in and help where needed, including driving a bus to ensure the students get to and from school each day. She drives for field trips, sporting events and other events around town. She was pivotal in getting a sign put up on Highway 1 to ensure the students would be able to safely get onto their bus at the bus stop. This year, when she lost her longtime second second in command to another school, she took the new member of the staff under her wing and she kept things rolling as usual for CMS. She’s always willing to jump and lend a helping hand when needed, including popping popcorn and doing anything else we need done,” Witherow said.
L.J. Bell Elementary Principal Meredith Norwood then recognized what she called two of the school’s finest bumblebees.
Vina Capel, a teacher assistant for more than 31 years, was honored for her unwavering dedication.
“Known for her tireless work ethic, she’s one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, making sure everything is taken care of. She takes pride in keeping things clean and organized, but don’t even think about putting glitter around her because she has declared that public enemy number one. Miss Capel goes above and beyond for teachers, students and families every single day,” Norwood said. “She knows every student and every car in the car rider line, which is a true L.J. Bell superpower. She always is ready to lend a helping hand, a kind word or a quick solution. You’ll always find her volunteering her time to help with chorus dismissal, ensuring those young singers make it safely to their cars… With her dedication, humor and unstoppable energy, Ms. Capel is the heart of L.J. Bell. A hardworking, spiriting and absolutely unforgettable individual.”
Social worker Caitlyn Martin was also recognized for her many roles in supporting L.J. Bell students.
“If multitasking were a sport, Caitlyn Martin would be bringing home the gold. As our school social worker extraordinaire, she’s part counselor, part detective, part motivational speaker and probably part magician too… Students flock to her because she listens, she cares and somehow makes everything feel a little brighter. When nurse Stubbs needs an extra hand with a student, Caitlyn is there without hesitation. She doesn’t go the extra mile — she does the whole marathon and checks in with students along the way. Bottom line, Ms. Martin keeps our school running with a heart and a whole lot of hustle,” said Norwood.