Members in Action
Office Professional of the Year: Jennifer Hedrick, CEOE – Student Data Coordinator, Blythewood, South Carolina
Jennifer Hedrick, CEOE, is a skilled educational office professional and is currently employed by Richland 2 District in South Carolina at Blythewood High School as the Student Data Coordinator. She has served as the Website Coordinator for the Richland County Association of Educational Office Professionals (RCAEOP) as well as the South Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals (SCAEOP) as Website Coordinator for the past eight years. She was responsible for creating the online store for RCAEOP and SCAEOP which gave members the ability to auto fill applications, pay online for conference registrations, and purchase office professional merchandise. Her websites have won awards at the National (NAEOP) level since 2017, and her knowledge and computer expertise brought her local and state associations up to speed “technology-wise” to the 21st Century. Jennifer has always been eager to help when asked, and she is a great example of what an educational office professional should be.
Awarded by Richland County Association of Educational Office Professionals (RCAEOP)
Congratulations, Jennifer!
Ambassador of the Year: Mary Beth Smith, CEOE - Executive Assistant,
Great Oakes Career Campuses, Cincinnati, Ohio
Mary Beth Smith has been involved in career-technical education in Ohio since 1989. She has served Great Oaks Career Campuses students, staff, Board of Directors, and community/business partners in many difference capacities. Mary Beth began her career as a job coach working with students at their on-job sites to help them become successful and productive in their careers. During this time she also served as a liaison between school staff and the business partners. Mary Beth has served as a member and office in the Educational Office Professionals of Ohio (EOPO) association, both at the state and national levels. She served two-terms as President of EOPO from 2017-2019 and was also the Career-Technical Council Chairman for NAEOP.
Whether it is collaborating with legislative aides, planning event details for Board members to attend the OACTE/ACTE conferences, communicating with partner school personnel regarding CTE policies and practices, or providing a little note of encouragement to staff…. Mary Beth Smith is a true ambassador for career-technical education. Mary Beth demonstrates a high level of commitment and leads by example, thus increasing the overall success of not only our organization, but all involved in career-tech education!
Awarded by Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education
Congratulations, Mary Beth!
Sharon McLean, CEOE, of South Carolina received the award of Georgetown County Association of Educational Office Professionals - Office Professional of the Year.
She has been a member of her local and state associations for seven years and has held several offices including GCAEOP President and is currently the SCAEOP Website Coordinator. Sharon is praised by her peers for being extremely approachable and for her ability to manage the school's daily operations. Sharon has been happily married for thirteen years and has a 20-year old step daughter and a 10-year old son with whom she enjoys building Lego’s and reading Harry Potter. In her spare time, Sharon likes to play weekly Dominos with her family and is an avid reader.
Congratulations, Sharon!
Townsend Elementary Educational Support Professional of the Year: Tina Shulties, CEOE – Finance Secretary, Appoquinimink Schools, Delaware
Tina Shulties, CEOE, is the Finance Secretary at Townsend Elementary School in New Castle County, Delaware. Each year the school recognizes the outstanding service by school employees who provide direct or indirect services to students and their families. Educational support professionals are vital to the success of the schools. Tina is a skillful and dedicated educational support professional. She is inspiring, dedicated, and makes a difference!
Awarded by the Appoquinimink School District
Congratulations, Tina!
Tami Friend, CEOE, of Nebraska received the award of KFOR Radio Sports Person of the Year.
Tami Friend, CEOE, is the Facilities Accounting & Building Use Specialist for Lincoln (NE) Public Schools. She has been employed by Lincoln Public Schools since 2012 starting out in positions of Registrar, and Athletic Administrative Assistant. She was nominated for the award for her strong support of LPS Athletics and Activities. Tami has been a member of the location association LPSAOP (Lincoln Public Schools Association of Office Professionals) and served in various positions including President in 2019-2020. She is married to Mark and they have four grown children and one grandchild. In her spare time, Tami likes to play board games, do puzzles and listen to audiobooks while walking the dog.
Awarded by KFOR Radio
Congratulations, Tami!