Cumberland County Schools (CCS) proudly revealed the December recipients of two widely recognized awards. Jennifer Milton, the NC SparkLab Leader at Douglas Byrd High School, has been recognized with the Extra Mile Award for her outstanding dedication to supporting CCS' mission. Gilbert Baez, a dedicated journalist and community advocate, has been honored with the Committed Community Support Award.

Extra Mile Award Recipient: Jennifer Milton

The Extra Mile Award recognizes employees who consistently exhibit outstanding performance and inspire others to strive for excellence. 

Jennifer Milton, December's Extra Mile Award recipient, was selected because of her exceptional dedication and willingness to go 'above and beyond.'

Shakira Hodges, the Career Development Coordinator at Max Abbott Middle School, commended Milton for her proactive and compassionate response during a system-wide professional development session. She 'stepped up' to resolve the presenter's rental car issue, allowing the presentation to go on without interruption. "This act exemplifies Jennifer’s compassion and commitment to excellence, as she took the initiative to support others, foster a positive environment and uphold the values of CCS in an outstanding way," said Hodges in a press release.

Committed Community Support Award Recipient: Gilbert Baez

The Committed Community Support Award honors an individual or group for their dedicated and selfless contributions to the school system.

December's winner, Gilbert Baez, has consistently gone beyond his role as a television reporter to personally invest in the school system. He has graciously volunteered his time to speak to both students and staff, offering insight and inspiration drawn from his experiences in journalism. Through the years, he has helped tell the CCS story, ensuring the community is informed of the district's progress and ongoing commitment to student success.

CCS Associate Superintendent of Communications and Community Engagement Dr. Lindsay Whitley spoke about the work of Baez throughout the years. "Mr. Baez’s contributions have been invaluable to fulfilling our mission," said Dr. Whitley in a press release. "His dedication to supporting our schools, both in his reporting and through his volunteerism, has left a lasting, positive impact on our district and community."

A selection committee reviews nominations on a monthly basis and selects one winner for each award. Winners are recognized during the Cumberland County Board of Education’s regular monthly meetings from October through May.

The Committed Community Support Award is for mentors, businesses, community partners, parents and volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to assist schools and help students succeed. Submit your nominations by the 10th of each month here.