Parma Elementary’s Dawn Hendges Named a Michigan Education Support Staff Professional of the Year

(November 6, 2020 1:30 PM)  For their dedication to their schools and communities, Dawn Hendges of Western School District in Jackson County, and Holly Holm of Crawford-Oscoda-Ogemaw-Roscommon Intermediate School District (COOR ISD) have been named Michigan’s 2020 Education Support Staff Professionals of the Year.

As Michigan’s 2020 Education Support Staff Professionals of the Year, Hendges and Holm are now eligible for the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. This is a new, national award created to honor school support staff.

“Every day, Michigan’s dedicated educational support staff like Dawn and Holly work hard to ensure our kids have the support they need at school,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “And now, as Michigan continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and as our kids return to in-person learning, our support staff are critical in keeping them safe. As a mom whose daughters grew up in Michigan’s public schools, I want to personally thank all of those who have dedicated their lives to our kids. Congratulations to our awardees!”

Hendges is a food and nutrition service worker at Parma Elementary School in the Western School District, where she has worked for 20 Years. Her district leaders explained that during this unprecedented time of the pandemic, Hendges has gone above and beyond for students, ensuring they have high-quality nutritious meals every day and promoting the location of food distribution centers in the district so no student went hungry. The students know their meals were made by a friendly and caring person every day.

Today, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey applauded Dawn Hendges for the award.

“Michigan teachers could not have performed so exceptionally well in these trying times of pandemic if it weren’t for the outstanding work of their support staff,” said Shirkey, R-Clarklake. “Dawn Hendges consistently demonstrates selfless service to her community, and this award is well-deserved.”  

Hendges’ district leaders explained that during this unprecedented time of the pandemic, Hendges has gone above and beyond for students, ensuring they have high-quality nutritious meals every day and promoting the location of food distribution centers in the district so no student went hungry.

Holm is an administrative assistant with the COOR ISD in Roscommon, where she has worked for 17 years and has had a tremendous impact on students and her colleagues alike.

“It takes an entire school community to help our children achieve their full potential,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We are so grateful for Dawn and Holly and the tens of thousands of other talented education support staff professionals in our Michigan schools who work tirelessly each day to meet the needs of our students.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to highlighting and recognizing the contributions of individuals across the state who go above and beyond for their students, the Michigan Department of Education is proud to partner with the American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, the Michigan Education Association, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25 to offer this award. Each awardee receives $1,000 in recognition of their accomplishments.

Hendges and Holm are now eligible for the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, overseen by the U.S. Department of Education.

“The Rise Award is a new, national award created to honor school support staff,” Shirkey said. “I would not be at all surprised if these two talented women win this award as well. They are certainly deserving.”

For more information about the Education Support Staff Professional of the Year award, please visit the program webpage or e-mail Jennifer Robel at RobelJ@Michigan.gov. Additional details about the RISE Award may be found on its program webpage.