Pinellas schools declare Student Services Week and honor staff for core‑value work

The Pinellas County School Board on Jan. 28 approved a proclamation recognizing Feb. 3–7, 2025 as Student Services Week and heard a series of recognitions for student services staff.

Donna Cecilian, executive director of student services, told the board the week highlights the work of school counselors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, educational diagnosticians and prevention staff who "assist students in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and competencies to make well reasoned and healthy lifelong decisions." The board approved the proclamation by voice vote, 6–0.

Cecilian and student services leadership presented multiple staff recognitions tied to the district—s core values. Among honorees were Ruth Tipton, a social worker who supports students in foster care and charter schools; Joanne Mercer, a social worker on the Homeless Education Assistance Team (HEAT) who assisted families after recent hurricanes; Leslie Dodge, a nurse recognized for her work in shelters during evacuations; and Kristin Vermillion, a counselor who aided students displaced after storm damage.

Cecilian said the honorees were selected after reviewing district praise submissions and noted that many student services staff had performed critical work supporting medically vulnerable and displaced families during hurricanes.

Why it matters

Student services staff deliver counseling, health and wraparound supports that address barriers to learning; the board—s proclamation and recognitions highlight the district—s reliance on these roles during both routine and emergency operations.