Livingston Parish Support Worker Named State Finalist
Junior High Secretary Recognized for Important Role in Assisting Students
LIVINGSTON, La. – North Corbin Junior High School (NCJH) Secretary Ashley Guzzardo is one of 10 school support workers who has been named a finalist for the state’s 2024 Outstanding School Support Employee Award.
The 10 finalists represent schools across the state in a wide range of professions. Employees eligible for the annual honor serve students and families in roles such as teacher’s aide, bus driver, food service worker, clerical/secretarial worker, and custodian.
“Congratulations to each of these valued professionals and thank you for the difference you make in the lives of students, families, and teachers,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I know the vital role these individuals play in the successful operation of our schools and the education of students.”
Guzzardo has worked as the NCJH school secretary for the past 12 years, where her duties include recording and monitoring student attendance, assisting with the needs and requests of students, parents, and campus visitors, assisting with student registrations, managing general office tasks, and serving as the Mighty Moms community food bank ambassador for her school.
As the school’s Mighty Moms ambassador, she manages the packing and handing out food bags to students in need, assisting the school guidance counselor with assessing the needs of students, communicating observations and assessments with Mighty Moms each month to determine if how best to meet the needs of students.
“Mrs. Ashley (Guzzardo) is compassionate and empathetic and always puts the needs of others before herself,” said Bryan Wax, LPPS Human Resources Supervisor. “Her ability to identify a need in students is her gift. She has a keen sense for identifying those students who don't speak up for themselves, and she doesn't stop there. She establishes relationships with some of our most neglected students and has provided resources and welfare checks.”
An overall state honoree and the finalists will be recognized during the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 10.
Finalists were selected from more than 700 nominees submitted from across the state. All public school systems were eligible to make one selection per category: elementary, middle, and high school.
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) recognizes that outstanding school support staff are critical to school success. The department recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional school support staff through its Outstanding School Support Employees award program. This program provides the opportunity to acknowledge those support employees who have rendered time and talents beyond the call of duty. These staff exemplify Louisiana’s best in the education profession and play an integral role in school and student success.
Selections for the state’s finalists were based on the following criteria: display of outstanding leadership qualities in inspiring or motivating others, evidence of service or achievement above and beyond what is expected in the usual school operation, professionalism in her or her role as a support to the operation of the school, in addition to other specific factors such as skill and dedication, plans to continue active employment, respect and rapport with students, respect of and rapport with parents, respect of and rapport with coworkers, and community leadership.
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