The Operational Support Award is presented to Brittany Kennedy.    Brittany has done an amazing job helping our most at-risk youth achieve success in the classroom.  She has played a vital role in getting those students to graduate before they are released.  Students often verbalize during ARC and Treatment Team how much they value Ms. Kennedy’s caring personality.  She has served as a substitute teacher and MAC Teacher Assistant.  She has also taken on additional duties this past year by filling the role of library services, administering the WRAT tests to students, and becoming a certified TASC administrator.   Ms. Kennedy is always willing to help with anything she can around the facility.  For these reasons, and her positive attitude, she would be a great choice for the Operational Support Award.

Ms. Kennedy was also recognized as LaPorte Juveniles Employee of the Month for September.

The staff that nominated her said she is a great role model and caring.  She is compassionate and a great cheerleader in the education department at LaPorte Juvenile. She sets a good example for the students to follow. She uses her prep hour to help assist students one on one with school work. She has stepped up recently and took over classrooms when teachers have been off. Congratulations Ms. Kennedy and keep up the great work. 

The Operational Support Award is presented to Shayla Mezo Llano.  Shayla has been a great asset to have in the education department.  She has held multiple positions including special education secretary, substitute teacher, teachers assistant, and the education representative for treatment teams.  She is always willing to take on additional duties as well.  This past year, she has taken it upon herself to become a certified proctor in the ServSafe in order to get our students post-secondary certifications.  She also assists with testing, helps other departments, participates in conferences, and even organized the closet in education to meet ACA standards.  For these reasons, and her hard working personality, Mrs. Mezo Llano is a great pick for the Operational Support Award.