This year South Whittier School District's Classified Employee of the Year was awarded to Michelle Ryan.
“I love being an employee of the South Whittier SD,” Ryan shared. “I not only work for the district, but I am an alumni of McKibben and South Whittier Intermediate School (now Graves MS), a parent to a current McKibben Cub, and resident of the area. My heart and passion are for the community and I strive everyday to serve to the best of my ability. To provide service with a smile and kind attitude to all is my daily goal.”
Mrs. Ryan is the district’s Lead Data Integrity Specialist and has been working with the district for five years.
On September 9, Superintendent, Dr. Gonzales, and Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, Dr. Ayala, surprised Michelle in her IT office with the exciting news and a bouquet of flowers. Mrs. Ryan shared that when finding out about her award she felt grateful, humbled, and very surprised.
Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Martha Rojas, who has worked with Mrs. Ryan for many years shared, “I was overjoyed, she is so deserving of this recognition, it is a pleasure to work with Michelle on a daily basis, her can-do attitude has made a positive difference in South Whittier.”
Rojas continued to share how thrilled she was when Michelle joined the Ed. Services team as a Data Integrity Specialist. Rojas shared how Mrs. Ryan’s educational background adds to her expertise, understanding, and success in her current position and she admires how Mrs. Ryan thinks like a teacher, understands assessments, is always willing to learn, is solution-minded, and most importantly how incredible her relational capacity is.
“Michelle is deserving of this award because of her dedication to the staff and students of South Whittier,” Rojas stated. “She believes that our students and staff deserve to have systems, programs, and data that are accurate and well organized. Last Spring, Michelle's position changed to Lead Integrity Specialist, that change brought new programs, systems, and added responsibilities. She has embraced her new challenges and responsibilities and has shown great optimism, flexibility, reliability, and confidence.”
Mrs. Ryan said she is truly honored to have received Classified Employee of the Year and would like to thank Gloria Gonzales, Secretary at Lake Marie Elementary, for nominating her. She also wanted to thank her family for their daily support and encouragement.
Congratulations, Mrs. Ryan!