Somerset County Public Schools proudly celebrates the exceptional dedication and contributions of our 2024–2025 Support Employees of the Year. These individuals represent the heart of our school system—working behind the scenes, in our classrooms, and throughout our schools to support student achievement, uphold safety and wellness, and ensure that every day runs smoothly. Their excellence reflects the strength and commitment of the SCPS team and the lasting impact they have on the lives of students, families, and colleagues.
2024–2025 Unit II Employee of the Year
Brandon Austin – Assistant Principal, Somerset Intermediate School
As Assistant Principal at Somerset Intermediate School, Mr. Brandon Austin leads with integrity, compassion, and quiet strength. His colleagues praise his unwavering positivity, even in the face of difficult challenges. Known for being dependable, calm under pressure, and grounded in strong values, Mr. Austin cultivates trust among students and staff alike. He takes on every responsibility—whether instructional leadership or facilities oversight—with purpose and professionalism. His high standards and attention to detail make him a role model, and his tireless commitment to serving others exemplifies what it means to lead by example.
2024–2025 Service Technician of the Year
Scott Tawes – Somerset Intermediate School / Somerset County Technical High School
Affectionately known as "Mr. Scottie," Mr. Tawes is a problem-solver, a trusted mentor, and a quiet hero across multiple school campuses. Whether he's repairing a broken HVAC unit in sweltering heat, answering alarms on weekends, or mentoring student apprentices in skilled trades, he shows up with grace, humility, and a heart for service. He doesn't just fix problems—he builds relationships and uplifts those around him. Always approachable, always professional, Mr. Tawes has become the gold standard for service, responsiveness, and dedication within SCPS.
2024–2025 School Nurse of the Year
Lynne Brumley – Washington Academy & High School
Mrs. Brumley is more than a school nurse—she is a trusted advocate, mentor, and community leader. Her 17-year tenure has transformed school-based health into a comprehensive and compassionate mission, extending beyond the nurse’s office and into student leadership, public health advocacy, and education. Her work with WAHS’ Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club and the Somerset County Youth Advisory Board (SCYAB) empowered students to champion mental health, wellness, and safe choices. Her endless compassion has comforted countless students, while her advocacy has brought essential resources to school families. As she retires, SCPS honors not just her service, but her legacy of love, prevention, and lifelong impact. For her exceptional leadership, tireless advocacy, and the countless lives she has touched, Mrs. Lynne Brumley is the deserving recipient of the 2024–2025 School Nurse of the Year award.
2024–2025 Paraprofessional of the Year
Kristen Corbin – Carter G. Woodson Elementary School
Kristen Corbin’s warm, steady presence makes her a beacon of calm in the Comprehensive classroom. Her deep empathy and tireless patience create a nurturing space where every child is seen, valued, and supported. During the transition following the closure of Ewell School, she not only adapted—she thrived, bringing stability and enthusiasm to her new team. Kristen is respected by her colleagues and admired by families. Her professionalism and communication ensure that all members of the team are in sync, united in their shared mission of student growth. Since joining the Woodson Elementary School team, she has become an invaluable part of the school community, and her dedication, compassion, and professionalism make her truly deserving of this recognition.
2024–2025 Mid-Level Management Employees of the Year
Melissa Beauchamp – Central Office
In her dual roles supporting finance at Somerset County Technical High School and managing multiple systemwide grants, Melissa Beauchamp is the definition of multi-talented and mission-driven. She works behind the scenes to manage critical funding streams, maintain accurate records, and keep every detail aligned with local, state, and federal requirements. Colleagues praise her calm presence, impeccable organization, and collaborative spirit. Melissa exemplifies what it means to be both precise and people-oriented—a rare combination that amplifies her effectiveness across departments. Her impact is felt far beyond her immediate responsibilities, reaching across the entire school system, making her more than deserving of this recognition.
TIED for Mid-level Employee of the Year with:
Abigail Zetina – Central Office
Abigail Zetina is a rising star in Human Resources, where her responsiveness and attention to detail ensure that every interaction is grounded in support and efficiency. From managing coaching assignments to coordinating interviews and onboarding, Abigail brings positivity and patience to every task. She is often the first to respond—and the last to leave—ensuring that every employee feels heard and supported. Her quiet determination, willingness to learn, and natural professionalism have made her indispensable across the system and most deserving of this recognition.
2024–2025 Instructional Support Employee of the Year
Keisha Evans – Crisfield Academy & High School
Mrs. Evans, Dean of Students at Crisfield Academy and High School, wears many hats with grace and grit. In a year of major staffing transitions, she led data meetings, coached teachers, and held instructional processes together. Her leadership of the Learning Support Team and her oversight of paraprofessionals demonstrate her commitment to consistency and excellence. Remarkably, she balanced all of this while completing her internship in school administration—a feat that speaks volumes about her time management, ambition, and passion for education. Her work is as strategic as it is heart-centered, and this makes her most deserving of this year's Instructional Support Employee of the Year recognition.
2024–2025 Food & Nutrition Services Employee of the Year
Susan Corbin – Crisfield Academy & High School
A respected leader in school nutrition, Mrs. Corbin has spent her career ensuring students are well-fed, supported, and cared for. She manages her cafeteria team with clarity, warmth, and precision, fostering a workplace culture built on mutual respect and pride in their shared mission. Her attention to food safety, presentation, and service is matched only by her advocacy for students' health and well-being. As she prepares to conclude her career, SCPS honors her lasting impact on thousands of students and families by naming Mrs. Corbin the 2024-2025 Food & Nutrition Services Employee of the Year.
2024–2025 Custodian of the Year
George Schoolfield – Carter G. Woodson Elementary School
Every school needs a George. With a smile on his face and a helping hand always ready, Mr. Schoolfield has become a trusted, dependable presence at Woodson. He doesn’t just clean the building—he builds community. From morning to evening, George works with integrity and care, responding to every request with positivity. He is the kind of teammate everyone wants and the kind of person every student deserves to see each day. For his unwavering commitment to the cleanliness and safety of his school building, Mr. Schoolfield is the deserving recipient of the 2024-2025 Custodian of the Year award.
2024–2025 Bus Contractor of the Year
Stanley “Lee” Daniels - Bus 59
Mr. Daniels ensures student transportation is safe, smooth, and professional. With an eye for detail and a heart for service, he coordinates daily logistics and builds meaningful relationships with staff and students. He understands that school begins the moment a child steps onto the bus—and his care and consistency help students start and end their days feeling secure. His professionalism, communication, and dependability make him a role model in the transportation field, and SCPS '24-25 Bus Contractor of the Year.
2024–2025 Administrative Associate of the Year
Melissa Tilghman – Central Office
Ms. Melissa Tilghman is the kind of employee whose excellence quietly shapes an entire system. As Board Secretary, she ensures transparency, accuracy, and integrity in Board operations. From policy preparation to certificate design, her work is meticulous and meaningful. She often works behind the scenes, meeting tight deadlines and supporting recognition efforts with elegance and precision. Though she never seeks the spotlight and prefers to let her work speak for itself, her colleagues and supervisors recognize her as a cornerstone of dependability, integrity, and quiet excellence. This award affirms the difference she makes—not just through her work, but through who she is.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals for their dedication, excellence, and the vital support they provide to our students, staff, and schools every day. We are proud to recognize their contributions as part of the SCPS family—thank you for being the heart of our system!