No state honor for region's best

Polly Davis misses out on being named school Support Person of the Year, but she enjoys the trip.

By PAULETTE LASH RITCHIE

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 14, 2000

TALLAHASSEE -- Polly Davis didn't return from the state capital Tuesday with the title of the Florida's best school support worker, but she was hardly disappointed.

Davis, who already has been recognized this spring as Citrus County and Florida Region II Support Person of the Year, said she thoroughly enjoyed herself on the trip. "It was a fun experience," she said.

Besides, she pocketed a $500 award as the regional winner.

Davis was honored for her work in monitoring attendance at Citrus Springs Middle School, Citrus Springs Elementary School, Hernando Elementary School and the Renaissance Center.

She makes home visits, writes referrals to the appropriate agencies, makes court appearances, and serves on child study teams and the truancy case staffing committee.

Davis, 49, and the other four regional winners were at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting where the Florida 2000 Support Person of the Year was named.

The winner was Dorothy Ott, a high school exceptional student education teacher's aide in Charlotte County and the Region IV finalist.

The Region I finalist, Nathaniel "Bama" McNealy is a bus driver and part-time transportation helper in Gadsden County.

The Region III finalist, Mary Batiste, is a print shop manager with the Indian River County School Board. The finalist from Region V, Dawn Yates, is a elementary school community liaison in Broward County.

Although she didn't win the title, Davis said she was proud to have been selected to represent Region II. As part of the celebration the finalists had breakfast with Education Commissioner Tom Gallagher and lunch at the Governor's Club.

She shook Gov. Jeb Bush's hand and met all the Cabinet members.

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