Valmead associate wins top honor

Encouragement, time, support, and love are just some of what the associates in the Caldwell County School system provide to the children they encounter on a daily basis.

From driving the school bus or cooking in the cafeteria to serving as a teacher's aide or custodian, school associates work hard in various capacities to make a difference to the children in local public schools.

Several school administrators, faculty, local leaders and community members gathered at Cedar Rock Country Club Tuesday evening at the 14th annual Bank of Granite Associate of the Year Awards Dinner to honor some of the people whose work is responsible for Caldwell students' success.

The event recognized all 28 award nominees, and provided the evening's highlight when Patty Clonch won this year's Bank of Granite Associate of the Year Award.

Irene Tuttle, 2007 Associate of the Year, spoke to the nominees about the impact they have on children in the school system.

“Without a strong foundation a house will not stand,” Tuttle said. “Caldwell County stands upon the strongest of foundations because it stands on your shoulders. Our house stands because of you. I truly believe our schools would topple like a house of cards if it were not for us.”

Tuttle said the encouragement children receive from the associates in the school system will help them grow and flourish for years to come.

“I know each time one of my kids graduates, the world is better because of it,” she said. “The world is a better place - especially the child's world - because of you.”

Karen Warlick announced this year's nominees, which included: Betty Vance, Baton Elementary; Teresa Young, Collettsville; Jeannie Davis, Davenport A+; Alicia Chandler, Dudley Shoals Elementary; Shawn Griffin, Education Center; Michael Smith, Caldwell Early College High School; Sue Kanupp, Gamewell Elementary; Loretta Smith, Gamewell Middle; Roger McCall, Gateway; Linda Houck, Granite Falls Elementary; Pamela Rice, Granite Falls Middle; Jeff Triplett, Happy Valley; Linda Hatton, Hibriten High; Candy Gragg, Horizons Elementary; Sharon Greene, Hudson Elementary; Betsy Bolick, Hudson Middle; Kathleen McKee-Braswell, Kings Creek; Donna Stevens, Lower Creek Elementary; Jeff Bolick, maintenance; Sonya Parker, Oak Hill; Teresa Whitman, Sawmills Elementary; Patricia Kelly, South Caldwell High; Gary Baker, transportation; Larhonda Carlton, West Caldwell High; JoAnn Taylor, West Lenoir; Ann Clark, Whitnel Elementary; and Kenneth Robbins, William Lenoir Middle.

Each nominee received a certificate of congratulations and a pin.

When Bank of Granite President and CEO Scott Anderson announced this year's winner, he spoke of her more than 20 years of service at Valmead School as a bus driver and custodian, and the difference it makes in the lives of students.

“(Clonch's) first priority is always the students' best interest,” Anderson said. “That is what she is motivated by.”

Clonch received a plaque and $1,000 that she will use toward the purchase of books and benches at Valmead School. As she made her way to the podium, it was clear Clonch was in awe of the honor.

“Those of you who know me know I'm never at a loss for words, but I am tonight,” Clonch said. “There are so many of you in this room that are deserving of this. I am very honored to be selected.”

Clonch also thanked her colleagues at Valmead School and principal Lisa Vaughn for making it a place she looks forward to going to every day.

“I enjoy being at Valmead School. Everyone works together there - for the children. I really appreciate this honor,” she said.