 Systemic Support Employee of the Year
Susan Barber, Student Activity Funds Coordinator
This year’s Systemic Support award recipient is Susan Barber, the Student Activity Funds Coordinator of Central Office’s Fiscal Services Department with over 28 years served at FCPS. She oversees student funds and protects the student experience through her fiscal integrity.
As the only Student Funds Coordinator at FCPS, she supports all 70+ schools in the system as well as several central office departments. Her drive and commitment to serving others every day is her greatest strength. She proactively identifies hurdles before they become an issue, streamlining processes, and is available to staff at all hours for staff to contact about extracurricular activities. She goes above and beyond, assisting schools when after hours issues arise without hesitation. She is a powerful asset to her coworkers because she empowers staff with financial and compliance understanding.
Susan is most noted for her kindness and compassion towards others. She overcomes whatever challenges come her way all while uplifting everyone around her. She takes an interest in everyone’s wellbeing and genuinely cares about her coworkers and the students at schools
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 Operations Support Employee
Robert Saxon, Warehouse Specialist
Warehouse Specialist Robert Saxon, affectionately known to all as “Bobby,” is this year’s recipient of the Operations Support award. With over 45 years at FCPS, Bobby’s work consists of being a courier for numerous schools in the district. He exemplifies a servant-leadership mindset and is willing to lend a hand whenever possible.
Bobby is described by his coworkers as having a strong sense of purpose, possessing great attention to detail, with unwavering dedication and pride in his work. His reliability ensures that schools can depend on him unequivocally. Bobby’s longstanding institutional knowledge combined with the energy of a new employee makes him unstoppable.
Not only is Bobby hard working, but he is also a positive presence that supports staff in his commitment to FCPS’ culture of respect, collaboration, and kindness. In the face of challenges, his calm and optimistic presence inspires coworkers and brings the staff together as a community. When a school has important information they need to send after the regular route, Bobby has gone out of his way to get the message out on time.
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 Administrative Support Employee
Crystal Libert, MHS Financial Specialist
This year’s Administrative Support award recipient is Middletown High’s School Financial Specialist, Crystal Libert. With over 24 years of experience at FCPS, her knowledge of school finances, and the understanding of the inner workings of a high school, Crystal works seamlessly with students, staff, outside vendors, and the community. It is her love of people and the and specifically the high school students that is her true strength.
In addition to her daily work, Crystal is also a dedicated club and class advisor who takes on high-stress events such as Prom and Graduation and ensures that students make positive memories at their milestone events.
Possessing an excellent work ethic, and being both kind and approachable to students and staff, Crystal is a pillar of the community. As an inspiring leader, she demonstrates patience, loyalty, and trustworthiness through her example
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 School Support Services Employee
Charmane Nesbitt, CHS Instructional Assistant
Charmane Nesbitt, an Instructional Assistant at Catoctin High for 25 years is this year’s recipient of the School Support Services award. Through her hard work, positive energy, and inclusivity, Charmane makes all students feel connected and invested in the school community.
In addition to her regular duties, she also runs several clubs, coaches Unified Sports, helps in the media center, and helps organize the school homecoming events and events to recognize student excellence. Charmane has worked hard to help set up the state certified Cougar Cubs preschool and helping students get the requirements to teach. She also tirelessly organizes fundraisers for various food pantries and non-profits.
Charmane enthusiastically pumps up the crowd during school pep rallies and she goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for all. Her coworkers feel encouraged by her positivity and professional work ethic. Staff and students alike go to her for guidance and advice.
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 Food Services Support Employee
Pamela Baer, YSES Food Services Site Assistant
This year’s Food Services Support award recipient is Pamela Baer, a Food Services Site Assistant at Yellow Springs Elementary with 26 years of service at FCPS. She is noted by her supervisor for her attention to detail which ensures that meals are consistently served safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
Pamela continuously anticipates needs and goes beyond her assigned duties. She arrives early to ensure that food service lines, kitchen areas, and equipment run smoothly for the day ahead. Through her organizational skills she can forecast the needs of the kitchen so they can prepare. She voluntarily supports new staff by showing them the procedures and demonstrating proper food safety practices.
Pam treats each child with care and respect and helps support every student’s well-being for a positive learning environment. She is deeply respected by her coworkers for her dependability, professionalism, and teamwork. She leads staff with a workplace culture built on respect, teamwork, and shared purpose, a positive attitude, and by remaining calm and composed during stressful moments.
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 Special Education Support Employee
Sharnette Anwar, THS Special Education Support
Sharnette Anwar, Tuscarora High is the FCPS Special Education Support Employee of the Year. Her input and observations are trusted and often influences instructional and behavioral decisions that lead to positive outcomes for students in the Pyramid Program.
Sharnette has a calm and steady demeanor especially during challenging or high-stress situations, she expertly de-escalates tensions, models appropriate emotional regulation, and creates a safe environment for her students all while remaining a positive attitude. She fosters a collaborative team culture through her optimism, flexibility, and willingness to help. Her reliability and preparedness enable staff and students to trust her implicitly, allowing for consistent routines that help students thrive.
Sharnette cares about every student and believes in their potential, giving students increased confidence and encouraging engagement and growth. She is dedicated to student success and collaboration among special educators to foster inclusive and equitable educational environments for all students.
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 Technical Support Employee
Brittain Bean, TPS/TES User Support Specialist
Brittain Bean, Thurmont Primary and Thurmont Elementary’s User Support Specialist is this year’s Tech Support award recipient. Despite splitting her time between two schools, she is available to the staff at both schools all day, offering solutions and advice. Brittain approaches every technical issue with a solution focused mind and calm approach.
School technology runs smoothly when Brittain is on duty. In the rare case she is away from her desk when a technology issue arises, she follows up immediately to resolve the issue with efficiency and care. She ensures that inventory is up to day and follows up with all teachers to make sure that the software upgrades or system updates have completed without issue. She has researched how to support staff to increase chromebook inventory when there was a need for more chromebooks in the classroom.
Brittain is a positive role model for staff and students alike and she is highly respected by her coworkers. Technology problems can be intimidating and frustrating, but Brittain comforts teachers and explains solutions clearly when things don’t go as planned. Students look up to Brittain as a kind and reliable person who will stop whatever she is doing to support them.
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 Transportation Support Employee
Michael Lehman, Bus Assistant
Michael Lehman, an FCPS Bus Assistant is this year’s Transportation Support award recipient. Michael is known to all for his consistency, warmth, and professionalism on the job. His actions reinforce that transportation is part of the educational journey and a major part of a positive learning environment.
Michael connects with students by greeting them each by name. By anticipating needs before they arise and through clear direction and communication, he ensures that coworkers are fully equipped to serve each child safely and confidently. He maintains calm and steady communications when situations require redirection and the students respond positively because they respect and trust him.
Michael helps set the tone of the day for students on the bus ride to and from school by creating an atmosphere where students feel welcomed, safe, and valued. Coworkers consider their relationship with Michael to be a partnership through his easy collaboration and professionalism. His steady presence fosters a team dynamic that benefits everyone involved. He is a role model for students and staff alike with his kindness and his steadfastness.
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