NEWS RELEASE - Dec. 2022 Extra Mile & Committed Community Support Award Recipients

Cumberland County Schools sent this bulletin at 01/09/2023 11:13 AM EST

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2465 Gillespie Street

Fayetteville, NC 28306

Contact:

Renarta C. Moyd

Communications Manager, Communications and Community Engagement

Phone: 910-678-2307

Email: renartac@ccs.k12.nc.us

For Immediate Release:

January 9, 2022

School District Recognizes
Two Individuals' Work That Touches the Lives
of Children in Cumberland County

School Board to recognize both honorees for
'sowing seeds' of kindness and caring

Fayetteville, N.C. – Cumberland County Schools (CCS) recently recognized two more individuals for their consistent demonstration and commitment to CCS’ students, schools and core values — excellence, innovation, collaboration, equity, integrity and compassion.

During two separate surprise visits, Barbara McQueen, a teacher assistant at Mary McArthur Elementary School (MMES), received the December 2022 Extra Mile Award and Ann Mathis from The Bicycle Man Community Outreach was surprised with the December 2022 Committed Community Support Award.

Both award recipients will be recognized by members of the Cumberland County Board of Education during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 10 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at the Educational Resource Center (ERC), located at 396 Elementary Drive/Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Extra Mile Award Recipient

The Extra Mile Award is designed to acknowledge employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others to do their best.

Approximately 15 employees at MMES nominated McQueen with thoughts that her work ethic exemplifies excellence, equity, compassion, integrity and collaboration. The nominations noted that the long-time educator 'wears many hats' and serves as a teacher assistant, bus driver, school mother, nurse, doctor, etc., to the students. Each day, she is the first to arrive at school to prepare for her bus route and the last to leave after returning from her route. If she has to bring a student back from her route, she will stay with them until their parents pick them up. Also, it is not unusual to see McQueen purchase clothes and personal supplies out of her own pocket to help students and their families.

According to the nominations, even though McQueen is known around school as a disciplinarian, she is still tender-hearted and kind. The students often look to her to demonstrate behaviors she has shared with them in and out of the classroom, e.g., writing correctly in their journals and properly greeting adults and interacting with them. Students know they are meeting her expectations when she gives them a wink, a nod or a kind and reassuring word. One nomination shared that McQueen's impact is widespread. She helps create "a loving and nurturing environment" at Mary McArthur Elementary.

CCS Associate Superintendent of Human Resources Ruben Reyes stuns MMES Teacher Assistant Barbara McQueen with the news that she is December's Extra Mile Award winner!

Committed Community Support Award Recipient

Ann Mathis received the Committed Community Support Award, which is presented monthly to an individual or group for selflessly supporting the school system and helping students succeed.

Because of her tireless work to collect, repair, and donate bicycles for hundreds of local children each year, CCS' Executive Director of Student Support Dr. Natasha Scott nominated Mathis, who is the wife of the late Moses Mathis aka 'Bicycle Man.' Over time, the program has grown beyond Cumberland County and has supported surrounding counties. According to Dr. Scott, since Mr. Mathis' passing in 2013, his wife has kept the program moving forward. As a matter of fact, CCS Social Workers have made hundreds of referrals to the Bicycle Man program to ensure students get 'something special under the tree.'

Mrs. Mathis, school social workers and community volunteers have collaborated to make bike giveaway day special so that each child can select the bicycle of their choice and are fitted with a helmet. "This is the last year of the program," said Dr. Scott. "Mrs. Mathis and the volunteers truly deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the students of Cumberland County Schools and the surrounding community."

While holding her award, Mrs. Mathis (right) proudly poses for a quick photo with CCS Associate Superintendent of Communications & Community Engagement Dr. Lindsay Whitley (left).

Nominate An Award Recipient

Any permanent full-time or part-time employee is eligible for the Extra Mile Award. Nominations can be submitted here. To learn more about CCS’ Extra Mile Award, visit the CCS Human Resources website.

The Committed Community Support Award is for mentors, businesses, community partners, parents and volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to assist schools and help students succeed. Nominations can be submitted here.

A selection committee reviews nominations on a monthly basis and selects one winner for each award. Winners are recognized during the Cumberland County Board of Education’s regular monthly meetings from September through May.

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