During the April 9 Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce luncheon, two South Kitsap educators were recognized in the first Star Staff Award ceremony.
Classified and certificated staff members throughout the school district are nominated by their peers or supervisors based on their work in four categories: team work, innovation, job performance and student connection/engagement, according to Amy Miller, SKSD communication specialist.
Miller said the awards will be presented quarterly at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon and will be accompanied by a certificate of recognition and gift cards from Chamber businesses.
Carey Ensign received the award for Classified Star Staff Member and Kim Austin-Ellis received the Certificated Star Staff Award.
Ensign, a retired office coordinator, was nominated by Mullenix Ridge Elementary School Principal Anita Chandler.
“Carey works as a team member in all aspects of her daily work,” Chandler wrote. “She is collaborative and does anything that is needed to continue to make Mullenix Ridge an outstanding school. She is the ‘face’ of Mullenix Ridge. She greets parents and the community warmly and welcomes them to our building. Carey is highly motivated and an expert in her position. She holds herself to high standards and excels in all she does. She completes all aspects of her position with expertise. She seeks new opportunities and is a life-long learner.”
Chandler wrote that over the years, Ensign has served on a number of committees.
“Her dedication to our district is commended,” Chandler wrote. “Not only is she a staunch supporter of our school district, she is active in the Port Orchard community, taking pride in her city and pitching in to help make it an even better place to live. Carey takes a student ‘under her wing’ each year. She can be seen reading with a student or just having a conversation; taking the time out of her busy day to make sure all of our students fell connected and cared for in our school. Carey has been a valued member of our school community.”
Ellis, a fifth-grade teacher, was nominated by Hidden Creek Elementary Principal School Laura Smith.
“Kim is the epitome of a team-player,” Smith wrote. “With a service-oriented and humble spirit, she always goes above and beyond to help her colleagues and our school. Kim is the first to volunteer for committees, works far beyond her contracted hours and offers care and resources to staff members in need.”
Smith said that Ellis selflessly gives of her time to keep the school’s reader board updated, which is no easy task.
“Kim has taken on the responsibility of making sure our fall and spring book fairs run smoothly,” Smith wrote. “She offers her time and resources to plan and facilitate book fair kick-off events that are fun and inspiring. I have seen her dressed in all kinds of costumes including a mermaid, Egyptian queen, mad scientist and hula dancer to bring our book fair themes to life. Kim then works at the book fair before and after school.”
Smith said Ellis has given many hours as an integral member of the school’s PTA and is always present at family events.
“She is a fabulous teacher who does whatever it takes to help her students feel successful; her students adore her,” Smith wrote. “In addition to all she does for our school, Kim also serves as a Girl Scout leader. Kim is most-deserving to be recognized for all she does for our school and community.”
