Honorable America's Elite Educator

MEMORIAL DAY
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April Employee of the Month Nominations
April Nomination ESS
Thank you so much Ariel DeMunn Melissa Price Keya Dayshawn Jenkins Ella DeDeaux Minister Tiana Gates Mr. Melvin

Shalon ChesterMuscogee County School District, GA
Shalon Chester was nominated five times this month by colleagues from Rothschild Leadership Academy and one time from a colleague at East Columbus Magnet Academy, who spoke of her exceptional dedication, reliability, and positive impact on students.

Ella DeDeaux-Holloway, Teacher, wrote: “I would truly like to nominate Shalon Chester for the ESS Employee of the Month award because she is simply one of those people you can count on, no matter what.

For the past two years at Rothschild Leadership Academy, Ms. Chester has shown up and shown out for our students. As our Building Substitute and previously as an ELA Substitute Teacher, she didn’t just fill in; she stepped in and took ownership. She kept structure in the classroom, held students accountable, made sure they had what they needed, and followed the curriculum like it mattered, because to her, it does.

What I appreciate most about Ms. Chester is her consistency and her heart. She creates an environment where students feel comfortable but still know expectations are high. Staff feel supported, and there is a sense of calm and reliability when she is in the building. That kind of presence cannot be taught; it comes from who she is.

And she doesn’t stop there. As an Assistant Coach for Cross Country, she continues to pour into students outside the classroom, pushing them, encouraging them, and helping them grow not just academically, but personally.
Ms. Chester goes above and beyond without needing recognition, which is exactly why she deserves it. She is dependable, positive, and committed to doing what’s best for students every single day.

I wholeheartedly support her nomination and thank you for considering her for this well-deserved recognition.”
Melissa Price, Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Chester has gone above and beyond for the teachers she fills in for. She always checks in with students and teachers to make sure the criteria are met, follows up with an email, and continues to check in even after substituting. She submits emails to include the teacher in what she did with the class, completes behavior forms for each period, and makes phone calls to maintain open communication with the teacher. She always has a positive attitude towards the students and staff, and she continually goes out of her way to make sure students are getting the materials they need for the planned assignment. She continues to spread love and support to the teachers, staff, and students. She is exceptionally helpful and an asset to our district. We enjoy having her support our team!”

Keya Jenkins, Paraprofessional, wrote: “I am writing to nominate Shalon Chester for ESS Employee of the Month. Over the past 2.5 years, Shalon has been a dedicated member of the RLA Drama Club team, providing valuable casting insights for productions including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Addams Family,’ and ‘The Grinch.’ Additionally, she has been a significant asset in our PES department. She has been supporting both verbal and non-verbal students in math, science, and social studies.”

Ariel DeMunn, English Teacher, wrote: “She has served as a building sub at our school. This woman is dedicated to building lifelong relationships with those around her.”

Tiana Gates, Teacher, wrote: “She is everything! The kids love her and she does her job well.”

Duane Melvin, Teacher, wrote: “Always available to help, and willing to help any child.”

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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2026