The Ridgefield School District recognized three employees with exemplary service awards and presented award honors to its Volunteer of the Year at its Convocation event on Thursday, August 23rd.  The annual district event welcomed teachers, administrators and staff returning from summer break and kicked off the start to the new school year.

\r\n

Debbie McGravey was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.  McGravey, a dedicated volunteer for the Ridgefield School District, is president of the Ridgefield Booster Club and producer of theatrical performances for the district’s middle school and two elementary schools, also as a volunteer.  In prior years, she also served as president of the South Ridge Elementary School PTA. 

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

                            Superintendent Nathan McCann and Debbie McGravey, Volunteer of the Year.

\r\n

“Debbie’s contributions to the Ridgefield School District are nearly incalculable,” said Superintendent Nathan McCann.  “The time demands and management responsibilities for these duties are analogous to full-time work.  Mrs. McGravey is widely-respected and admired for her excellent organizational skills, honest and frank communications, and dogged work ethic.  She is a trusted, go-to person who always delivers.”

\r\n

In a video highlighting her accomplishments and presented to district staff at Convocation, McGravey said that she was honored and humbled to be recognized for her award.\r\n

Gregg Ford, Ridgefield High School social studies teacher and boys track team coach was honored with the Certificated Exemplary Service Award.  With a teaching career spanning 40 years, Ford is well-respected by RHS students, staff and the community for his passion for teaching and dedication to his students.  The RHS Boys Track Team clinched the state title under his leadership this past year.

\r\n

Left to right:  Jeff Vigue, President of Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation; Christen Palmer, Principal, Ridgefield High School; Gregg Ford, Certificated Exemplary Service Award recipient, and Superintendent Nathan McCann.

The Classified Exemplary Service Award was presented to Denise Krause, head secretary at View Ridge Middle School for her tireless support to staff, parents, families and students.  Krause was recognized for service representing the highest standards of integrity and character for her school and for the district.  She has served at View Ridge Middle School for the past 24 years and has been with Ridgefield School District for 31 years.

\r\n

Left to right:  Jeff Vigue, President of Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation; Tony Smith, Principal at View Ridge Middle School; Denise Krause, Classified Exemplary Service Award recipient, and Superintendent Nathan McCann.

Mary Rojas, South Ridge, custodian with American Building Maintenance, was awarded the Partner Exemplary Service Award for her work at South Ridge Elementary School.  Rojas has served at the school for over 21 years and was honored for her tireless dedication to ensuring that the facilities are ready each school day.  Rojas enjoys coming to work, saying that the best part of her job as custodian is working with the staff and especially the students. 

\r\n

Left to right:  Jeff Vigue, President of Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation; Mary Rojas,  Partner Exemplary Service Award recipient, and Superintendent Nathan McCann.

\r\n

“Ridgefield School District is fortunate to have such dedicated employees,” said Superintendent McCann.  “The district is proud to recognize the outstanding work of each of our honorees with these well-deserved awards.”\r\n

\r\n