Congratulations to our March 2026 Golden Achievement Award Winners, Jennifer Cone and Amy Woodard. Memorial Drive Elementary School Principal Loni Hines shared the following when presenting the awards at the board meeting:
"It is our honor to recognize Mrs. Jennifer Cone as Memorial Drive Elementary’s Golden Achievement recipient for Certified Staff. As our media specialist, Mrs. Cone has created a welcoming environment where students are excited to come read and explore. Each week, she welcomes our kindergarten students for story time, often bringing stories to life with creative props and engaging activities such as making bone soup. Mrs. Cone is incredibly creative, and when you step into our media center, you will always find it transformed by the current theme. You might see fifth graders attending a poetry café, second graders performing sentence surgery, or kindergartners creating balloons for their own Macy’s Parade. Her imagination truly knows no limits as she works to spark excitement for reading among both students and staff.
"Mrs. Cone also leads our schoolwide reading initiatives with enthusiasm and creativity. Each year, she energizes our campus around the One School, One Book selection, convincing teachers to volunteer for fun incentives such as kissing a pig, organizing hamster races for students, or finding that special stuffed frog to visit the winning class for the day. Her ability to make reading joyful and memorable leaves a lasting impact on our students.
"In addition to helping students develop a love of reading, Mrs. Cone serves as our writing coordinator and coordinates guest readers during special events. She manages our Title I inventory, creates our school yearbook, hosts the PTO Christmas Shop and Book Fair, serves on the Sunshine Committee, and assists with our end-of-year Honors Day program. Mrs. Cone’s creativity, leadership, and dedication to our school community make her truly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations to Mrs. Cone.
"It is also our pleasure to recognize Ms. Amy Woodard as Memorial Drive Elementary’s Golden Achievement recipient for Classified Staff. Ms. Woodard serves as a Special Education paraprofessional but wears many hats within our school. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and do whatever is asked of her. Over the years, she has supported students across all grade levels, always stepping in wherever she is needed most.
"Ms. Woodard is known for her kindness and her genuine love for our students and staff. She makes an effort to get to know students on a personal level so she can connect with both their interests and their academic success. Her ability to build rapport and meaningful relationships with everyone she meets is truly special.
"She also brings energy and enthusiasm to our school culture. During dress-up weeks, you can always count on Ms. Woodard to have one of the most creative outfits and to fully embrace the theme. She goes all out to make school fun for our students while continuing to support them academically and emotionally. Her willingness to go the extra mile and her caring spirit make her a valued member of the Memorial Drive family. Congratulations to Ms. Woodard."
Mrs. Cone and Ms. Woodard are pictured with Superintendent Dr. Lynn Barber, Principal Hines, and Board Member Brandi Waters following the presentation.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!