Terry, Riley recognized for excellence
LISA HOBBS - News Editor
Warren County High School’s Custodian Connie Terry has been named Classified Employee of the Year, while Morrison Elementary School Principal Dr. Lori Riley was named Certified Employee of the Year for the Warren County School District.
“As everyone is aware, we take all the employees of the month at the end of the year and there’s a vote for employee of the year based on the pool that was taken from that group,” said Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows, during the Aug. 27 Board of Education meeting. “We are happy to recognize the classified employee of the year. She was chosen in November and December of last year and that employee of the year is Ms. Connie Terry, which everybody knows is in charge of the high school. Sorry, Mr. Hobbs.”
She was nominated for employee of the month and received employee of the year because, “She goes above and beyond in everything that she does. She is always willing to help, no matter the task, and approaches every responsibility with an exceptional work ethic. Her long hours and dedication shows how deeply she cares about our school and the people in it. Ms. Connie has a true heart for serving others and she never hesitates to step in whether the job is big or small. Our building runs more smoothly because of her commitment, and she is an incredibly asset to our team.”
She received $100.
Riley is currently Morrison Elementary School’s principal.
“When she was employee of the month, she was Warren County Middle School assistant principal,” said Dr. Swallows. “Everyone is in green tonight because Riley is now Morrison Elementary School’s principal. Let me read what was written for her by Ms. Amanda Gibbs.”
Gibbs stated, “Often within the educational environment, we are often faced with many challenges. Educators don’t just education, we often mentor, inspire, nurture, and even parent our students. With these and other responsibilities laid at the feet of our educational partners, it is imperative that we employee professional and entrusted leaders. We look to our administrators to model these traits; to daily lift the standards and set goals. Period. To embody professionalism and prepare Warren County to achieve high levels of learning for all. Personally, I can think of no better example of these traits and qualities than Warren County Middle Schools – now Morrison Elementary’s – very own Dr. Lori Riley. Both students and staff members alike are positively impacted daily by her hard work and dedication. Dr. Lori exemplifies true leadership. Her calm, steady nature brings comfort to a profession that all too often can be defined as stressful or hectic. We all wish to express our thankfulness to work alongside one of Warren County’s most talented and trusted leaders. I will end with one of my favorite quotes that I feel truly exemplifies Dr. Riley’s character. ‘There is no limit to the amount of good you can do, if you don’t care who gets the credit.’ I would like to thank the school board and personnel at the administrative office for considering Dr. Riley for the Certified Employee of the Year.”
Riley also received $100.
Both were presented with gift bags and a bouquet of flowers.