Mechanicsville High School Instructional Assistant Named Support Employee of the Year
Sara Matthews, an instructional assistant at Mechanicsville High School (MHS), has been selected as the 2023-24 Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Support Employee of the Year.
Joined by members of the Hanover County School Board, Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, made the surprise announcement on Thursday, May 2 at MHS in front of other members of the school’s faculty and staff. Mrs. Matthews is in her ninth year with HCPS and fourth with MHS.
“Receiving this recognition is a great honor. It helps me to know that I am doing my job well, and that I am making a difference in the lives of others,” Mrs. Matthews said. “Service and dedication are very important to me, and I hope that I can continue serving my community in the future. I am so thankful for the support of my MHS colleagues, who I collaborate with on a daily basis to best serve our students.”
She added: “I once heard Tony Dungy speak about the difference between success and significance. While it's great to be successful at your job, it is much more important to be significant in the lives of our students. I am hopeful that the connections I make with students will be significant to them throughout their lives.”
Mrs. Matthews said her favorite part of her job is “being able to develop relationships with all of the students in our building and celebrate their successes both in and out of the classroom.”
“Because I have worked with some of my students in elementary school and again now in high school, I am able to see how far they have come and encourage them academically and socially,” she said. “I am able to see students blossom and grow through my daily work with them. I also enjoy co-sponsoring BETA Club and SODA, as well as assisting with our Choir and Theatre programs.”
MHS Principal Mr. Charles Stevens said Mrs. Matthews’ commitment and dedication to MHS and the school community “goes well beyond the classroom.”
“Her genuine compassion shines through every day through her intentional efforts to add value to the lives of the students, staff, and families she serves,” Mr. Stevens said. “She is the best of the best!”
HCPS employs more than 1,000 support employees in order to accomplish its mission. Each year, one employee wins this distinguished award. It is given to an employee who exhibits several qualities, such as: provides unique and exceptional contributions to the school division; demonstrates commitment through quality job performance and a positive attitude; demonstrates leadership; seeks to enhance their skills and knowledge; and, fosters cooperation and positive relationships with colleagues, students, teachers, administrators, and the school community.