Casey Cooper, dean at Silas Willard, and Donna Abel of the GAVC were presented monthly staff recognition awards during a brief recognition segment in the meeting.

The presenters said Cooper had two nominators. Ms. Ritchie read one nomination that called Cooper “such a warm and caring person,” said she “always has time to chat and help everyone,” and praised Cooper’s organization and outreach, noting that Cooper “has added a great idea of using a Dean’s Den newsletter for the staff.” The nominator also said Cooper “has definitely shined in her first month at Silas.”

At GAVC, presenters said they were presenting the award in person to Abel. Ms. Ritchie read a nomination that described Donna Abel as “truly one of those people that you wish you could duplicate,” calling her “the glue and unsung hero of the GAVC,” and noting her work taking students to IMTS in Chicago, working with SkillsUSA, planning showcases and serving as a community partner. The nomination said Abel “goes above and beyond for the kids at the GAVC, setting them up for their future goals.”

Presenters noted that surprise presentations are harder at some locations, which is why staff traveled to GAVC to present Abel’s award. No formal actions, votes or policy items were associated with the recognition segment; it was purely ceremonial.

The segment highlighted two locally focused personnel recognitions: Cooper’s first-month work as a dean at Silas Willard and Abel’s ongoing student-support work at the GAVC.