The “Be Golden” award is a new faculty and staff recognition program at the high school.

This award is given weekly by a faculty/staff member to another faculty/staff member. Whoever receives the trophy on Friday is responsible for awarding it to someone else the following week. The only criteria are to give it to someone who has done something to make the school a better place.

“With the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in our school, we want to not only recognize students for being golden but staff members as well,” said Shannon Davis, the award program coordinator. “This is a way to personally thank people we work with every day, but don’t always have the chance to show them how much they are appreciated.”    

Last week the award went to Mrs. Michele Marasco.

She chose to give the award to Mrs. Tiffany Johannides.

Mrs. Marasco’s Quote:

“We are so fortunate to have Mrs. Johannides as our Guidance Counselor at the high school.  She is always available for the students to meet their many needs.  She regularly takes the time to consult with students individually.  In addition, she will seek out students who are struggling and find ways to help them.  In addition to the time she spends with students, she always makes time to address the teachers’ concerns too.
Even though she spends much of her time counseling the students, she found time to form AEVIDUM, which has made a strong impact on our school and students.  Her work with AEVIDUM has made great changes in the school environment as she encourages the students to continue to work to support each other.
Mrs. Johannides is an amazing counselor, peer, and friend. She is a caring and passionate counselor who puts the students’ needs above everything else.”

The Eagle Eye interviewed Mrs. Johannides about being this week’s award winner:

Eagle Eye: What encouraged you to become a teacher?

Tiffany Johannides: “I began my career as a mental health and drug and alcohol counselor. As I started providing counseling services in high schools I realized that I was extremely passionate and investing in helping the high school age group.  It was then that I decided to go back for my master’s degree in school counseling.”

EE: What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?

TJ: “I really enjoy meeting with students and helping them work through any issues they may be having.  It is important to give students the skills they need to be successful adults whether it is social, academic or career advice. Seeing students improve over time is what I find to be the most rewarding part of my job.”

EE: Is this your dream job? If not, what is?

TJ: “Helping others has always been my dream job!”