Submitted by tara.hurlebaus on
(Wilmington, Del.) New Castle County Head Start, Inc. held its annual luncheon on May 23, 2012 at the Chase Center in Wilmington to celebrate the completion of its 2011-2012 academic year and recognize staff members for outstanding service during the year.
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. presented the Lucy H. Borda Award to Otila Butler, Rose Hill Center Coordinator, for her 34 years of service to the Head Start program while also pursuing higher education degrees. Since 2004, the Lucy H. Borda Award has been awarded to the staff member who best represents the character of deceased staff member Lucy H. Borda, who held a strong belief in continued professional growth, regardless of personal challenges, and an ongoing determination to accomplish professional goals. Otila Butler, a Head Start parent and grandparent, began her career in 1978 as a Head Start Teacher Assistant. She has also served as Head Teacher and currently holds the position of Center Coordinator. During her career, Butler earned certifications and an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In May 2012, she received her bachelor’s degree in general studies from Wilmington University. Butler has been a long-term role model to all Head Start staff by demonstrating it is never too late to increase your professional knowledge and pursue advanced degrees.
Each year New Castle County Head Start, Inc. presents the Eunice A. Thomas Employee of the Year Award to staff members for outstanding individual contributions during the program year. Staff members from each of the nine Head Start centers and the administrative office voted for the person who best demonstrates a professional and positive attitude and willingness to go out of his/her way to help others. This year’s winners are Andrea Balback from Marshallton; Catrina Baise from Claymont; Brandy Bunkley from Manor Park; Stephanie McManus from Brandywine; Estelle Turner from Absalom Jones; Debbie Drueding from the Administrative Office; Aneatra Kosh from Bear; April Walton from Lambson; Melissa Earl from Newark; and Annie Philip from Rose Hill.
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. recognized retiree Alice Padovani for 25 years of service to the agency. During her career, Padovani served as kitchen manager at the Absalom Jones center where she managed all aspects of food service including cooking two hot meals a day.
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Rose Hill Center Coordinator Otila Butler receives the 2012 Lucy H. Borda Award.
2012 Eunice A. Thomas Employee of the Year Award winners are (from the left): Andrea Balback, Catrina Baise, Brandy Bunkley, Stephanie McManus, Estelle Turner, Debbie Drueding, Aneatra Kosh, April Walton, Melissa Earl and Annie Philip.
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Executive Director Jeff Benatti congratulates Alice Padovani on her retirement from the agency after 25 years of service.
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