Holly Springs Optimist Club Honors Outstanding Students and Staff
The Holly Springs Optimist Club on Tuesday honored CCSD students and staff at its annual Middle School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff. The event celebrates the unique qualities that our special needs students bring to each of their schools and how connections with community are important to students growing more, learning more and achieving more in CCSD schools. The 2025 honorees are:
- Creekland MS: Olivia Bubar, presented by Kristen Stannard
- Dean Rusk MS: Damien Washington, presented by Amanda Verner
- ET Booth MS: Max Morris, presented by Lori Salvino
- L.R. Tippens Center: Makenzie Bauer, presented by Rebecca Geronimos
- Mill Creek MS: Aarav Patel, presented by Valerie Dunn
- Teasley MS: Elijah Hamilton, presented by MaryKate Sullivan
- Woodstock MS: Judeah Harris, presented by Naomi Barajas
The teacher award for Outstanding Achievement in Education went to Kristen Stannard from Creekland MS; and the Paraprofessional of the Year award went to Alyssa Darrow from Woodstock MS.
Students received trophies and gift bags and had photos made with their family members and teachers. The staff awards included plaques and gift bags. School Board member Kelly Poole attended the event, along with Senior staff from the Academics & Accountability division and its Special Education department. Members of the Optimist Club closed out the program reciting the Optimist Creed. #ElevateTheExcellence
Left to right from top left: Creekland MS Assistant Principal Dr. Nate Cline hugs teacher Kristen Stannard, selected by the Holly Springs Optimist Club for Outstanding Achievement; Woodstock MS Assistant Prinicipal LaShonda Tucker congratulates Alyssa Darrow, selected as Paraprofessional of the Year by the Optimist Club; Kristen Stannard and Olivia Bubar; Amanda Verner and Damien Washington; Lori Salvino and Max Morris; Rebecca Geronimos and Makenzie Bauer; Elijah Hamilton and MaryKate Sullivan; Aarav Patel, Valerie Dunn and Dr. Amber Davis; Judeah Harris (not able to attend), presented by Naomi Barajas