Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
Several Yelm Community Schools staff members were honored with excellence awards in their respective departments during a YCS Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 26.
Specifically, field techs Weston Baker and Michael Young were honored with excellence in information technology and services awards, while Brian Edwards was recognized with an excellence in transportation services award.
Jonathan Maynard, representing the YCS technology department, said the excellence in information technology and services awards recognize the professionals who ensure seamless, reliable and efficient technology support and data management to foster a positive and productive environment for students and staff throughout the district.
“I could not think of a more deserving group of guys who actively provide the highest level of customer service each and every day,” Maynard said, of Baker and Young. “They are passionate, empathetic and hungry to learn. They’re constantly putting our student’s needs and safety first. I’m so proud of the work our team does each and every day.”
YCS Superintendent Chris Woods spoke after Maynard’s comments, and added to the role that Baker and Young play within the district.
“We could not do what we do in this district without them. They’re a phenomenal team. They do not look for recognition,” Woods said. “I’ll use a sports analogy. You know when you never notice a referee is in a game is when a game is going well. Same thing with our tech team. They come and they go, but they are seamless. I think everyone in our district would say the same thing. We could not do what we do without them. Every single one of them could be up here tonight for an award.”
Following the recognition of Baker and Young, Jeff Adams, YCS Transportation Director, recognized Brian Edwards, bus driver, with the excellence in transportation services award.
“We have a lot of people in transportation that are just outstanding. If you get to be around them, you see that. They do excellence in transportation, at least from my perspective. However, Brian is one of the best,” Adams said. “He is consistently demonstrating equanimity, and that’s an atmosphere it’s hard to demonstrate. He’s constantly helping everyone without being obtrusive to his help. He’s very good at what he does, and he helps others to rise up. Brian is consistent. He doesn’t just show up to work. He performs very very well as a bus driver. We all should be proud to work with him.”
Woods followed, and said he met Edwards for the first time at a Yelm High School football game at South Sound Stadium in Lacey. According to the superintendent, Edwards was the team’s bus driver for that specific game.
“He was sitting in the stands in his Yelm gear, cheering on the team because he knew most of the players from driving them to and from games,” Woods said. “I think it’s also important to note Brian could’ve gone anywhere and driven a bus and made more money doing extracurricular trips. He chose to stay here in Yelm. That says a lot, not only about him but all of our other drivers. We have amazing people in transportation.”
