Ivette Martinez Ayala, an instructional assistant, receives the December Golden Anchor award during a Kent County Board of Education meeting Dec. 9. From left are Gina Jachimowicz, Dan Hushion, Francoise Sullivan, Aretha Dorsey, Alden Swanson, Trish McGee, Frank Rhodes, Martinez Ayala, Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas, Joseph Goetz and Cassandra Swayze.
ROCK HALL — Ivette Martinez Ayala was honored with this month's Golden Anchor Award for her hard work and dedication, especially with multilingual families.
Martinez Ayala, an instructional assistant, received her award from the Kent County Board of Education Monday night, Dec. 9.
The Golden Anchor Award is presented each month to staff members or groups of employees who exemplify the mission and core values of Kent County Public Schools.
“Kent County Public Schools is an anchor organization that creates an environment of academic excellence through a collaborative, equitable and rigorous learning community,” the mission statement reads.
Nominations may be submitted by Kent County Public Schools staff members, parents and students.
Director of Human Resources Dan Hushion announced Martinez Ayala as the Golden Anchor recipient, citing her work with multilingual students and their families.
“We are fortunate to call her a team member, and the unique difference she makes is recognized and commended,” Hushion read from the nomination letter.
Martinez Ayala also served as an interpreter during the school system’s Community Conversation sessions held in October and November as part of its strategic planning process.
Those Community Conversations sought the input of all stakeholders on key areas including the budget, academics and buildings and facilities.
Martinez Ayala’s nomination letter noted the importance of her work ensuring everyone’s voice is heard in the strategic planning process.