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AUGUSTA – A member of the staff at Marcia Buker Elementary School in Hallowell is one of two state winners of the Maine Department of Education Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. School staff from Augusta, Lisbon and Dixfield were among the 11 finalists.
Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, the RISE Award honors employees in the education workforce who provide exemplary service. Bodge was one of more than 80 nominees submitted from across Maine.
RISE nominees demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement; leadership and commitment, local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work), and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.
Bodge, of Richmond, was nominated by more than 10 people including colleagues, community members and families in the community. Her long experience at Marica Buker and her vast connections in the town are a huge asset to those around her, the Department of Education said in a news release. “She is the face the entire school community sees and connects with each and every day,” it said. “Deb has deep roots in the community and is described as a beacon of light by families. She is consistently warm and friendly, helpful, and accepting of all, while keeping an exceptionally organized and consistent atmosphere. Families describe Deb as a safe and steadying force. She is always there to lend a hand and has provided support to colleagues whenever it is needed.”
“The staff, students and parents at Marcia Buker are wonderful to work with,” Bodge said. “They are what make my day. i’m honored to know that I received so many nominations from within the community. Just knowing that makes me a winner.”
The other statewide honoree is Betsy Paz-Gyimesi, a Spanish family and community engagement specialist at the Multilingual and Multicultural Center, Portland Public Schools. The two join RISE winners from across the country for consideration of the national RISE award.
Finalists n Turner Publishing’s circulation area are:
Jessie Eastman, school nurse, Lincoln Elementary School, Augusta School District.
Leland Gamache, bus driver/custodial staff, Libson Community School, Lisbon School Department,.
Ellen Kimball, food service staff, T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School, Regional School Unit 56, Dixfield.
For a full list of finalists, and more information, visit the Maine Department of Education website.
