Joshua Oviedo, a paraprofessional at David L. Anderson Middle School, was named the School-Related Employee of the Year at a district awards ceremony, an emcee said.

The ceremony recognized 27 nominees for their work supporting students across the district and included presentation of the Mary J. Brogan Scholarship to Pamela Lopez of Willoughby Learning Center. Jeff Raymond, identified in remarks as Oviedo’s former principal, announced the overall winner.

“Providing support in and out of the classroom, our school related employees are the heartbeat of our schools,” an event emcee said during opening remarks. The emcee named Oviedo as the overall winner and noted the scholarship award and other honorees.

Oviedo described his work directly to the audience. “I go into the classroom, co teach, all of my class doesn't speak English. So not only do we translate, but we're also teaching alongside the teacher so the kids can understand what's going on. And it's so cool that I've had started from kindergarten to 12th grade, and to go back into the school system was really awesome. It just shows that I just wanted to be there just for just like somebody was there for me,” he said.

Presenters and remarks at the ceremony emphasized that school-related employees—paraprofessionals, aides and other support staff—work in the ‘‘gaps’’ to help students with needs that regular classroom instruction may not cover. Oviedo’s duties were described as including co-teaching, translating for students who do not speak English, volunteering, coaching and attending school events; the ceremony also noted that he is pursuing a degree.

The awards recognized 27 nominees districtwide and highlighted the Mary J. Brogan Scholarship recipient, Pamela Lopez of Willoughby Learning Center. No further details about prize amounts or next steps were specified during the remarks.