23 Oct 2023 PCSSD School board recognizes employee for first quarter award
PULASKI COUNTY — The Pulaski County Special School District awarded its first Inspiration in Education award for the 2023-2024 school year at the October Board of Education meeting.
The quarterly award was presented to Michael Richardson, a security officer at College Station Elementary. The district received 35 nominations for this quarter, with four in support of the officer.
Richardson has worked for the district for almost four years, working at Sylvan Hills Middle and Mills University Studies High prior to coming to College Station Elementary where he found a home, which his colleagues are quick to point out.
“Officer Richardson goes above and beyond at College Station on a daily basis,” said Tracy Harris, the gifted and talented teacher. “Many of our students don’t have a father figure at home and that’s where he steps in. He goes to their football and basketball games. He just shows up for the kids.”
Tiffany Shettles-Tull, teacher-librarian at the school, also points out how Richardson takes that extra step to make the school day fun and exciting for all students and the staff.
“He dresses up, in full costume, to brighten the kids’ days,” Shettles-Tull said. “He pitches in everywhere — in classrooms, helps with potential issues among students and he motivates all of us. He is a team player in the best sense of the phrase.”
“He is constantly encouraging them,” Stacey Moore added. “He passes out inspirational cards to encourage them to do their best and tries to brighten their morning as soon as they arrive at school. He checks in on the teachers every morning as well and makes sure we have everything we need to have a successful day with our champions.”
Richardson is also an active member of the Air Force. His love for our country is evident in how he works with the students to teach them about respecting our nation’s flag. He even works with students on how to properly fold the American flag.
“He recently taught our fifth graders the marching procedures for the Air Force,” Moore said. “Fifth graders love spending time with him during their recess.”
“He changes the climate of our school,” Shettles-Tull added. “This became very noticeable while he was deployed for a month last year and his presence was missed by everyone on campus. He would do anything for anyone at our school and is purely just an unsung hero.”
The Board of Education created the Inspiration in Education award to honor certified and support staff members who are inspirational to their students or colleagues in their roles at PCSSD. Additionally, the award recognizes employees who exhibit traits including leadership, mentoring, dedication, excellence and effectiveness in their places of work.
The award is presented to the winner quarterly in October, December, March and May. Anyone may nominate a PCSSD employee for the award. The applications are reviewed by the Superintendent’s Cabinet for ranking, and the highest scorer is named the quarterly winner and receives the award from the PCSSD Board of Education.
