Kernersville café manager wins national associate of the year

Selected from more than 600 school districts across the country, Crystal Penn, café manager at Kernersville Elementary, has been awarded Chartwells K12’s 2018 National Be-A-Star Hourly Associate of the Year. Every year, one dedicated team member is recognized nationally for going the extra mile, whether it is engaging students or working with team members throughout the district. Crystal Penn has been a part of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools cafeteria team for two years and received this award for her efforts that include building a successful Breakfast in the Classroom program that serves 600 students each day. Beyond that, she’s improved the school’s health score, waste score and employee training efforts. Her work is appreciated by coworkers, school staff and administration. “Providing students with great-tasting, nutritious meals is another way we’re helping all students succeed,” said Lauren Richards, child nutrition director for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. “Congratulations to Crystal Penn on winning the National Be-A-Star Award. It is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to all she does to serve Kernersville Elementary students every day.”

Morgan Elementary School librarian selected as media coordinator of the year 

Lisa England, media coordinator at Morgan Elementary in Clemmons, is the North Carolina Media Coordinator of the Year.  The North Carolina School Library Media Association is giving England the honor. Described as someone who wants every child to connect with a book, England is being recognized for creativity in her work. She dresses up, plays musical games, created “mobile libraries” in her school, and has done many things to establish a media center that is inviting and exciting. The award comes with $1,000 for library supplies. It is awarded annually to someone employed in a North Carolina public or private school. A team of media coordinators looks at the individual’s work and recognizes them for outstanding performance in the school library/media center.