September 24, 2025- Every great school has a team of quiet champions working behind the scenes. They're the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the ones who keep the lights on—literally and figuratively. Cobb County School District's Classified Employees of the Year represent the very best of our One Team: staff members who go above and beyond to serve students, teachers, and families every single day.

All school and department-level honorees were invited to a celebratory luncheon at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, where they were recognized on stage by Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and members of the Board of Education.

“We do this to recognize you. You are being recognized because your peers have placed you in this room to be honored,” said Superintendent Ragsdale. “That speaks enormous accolades to the job that you do. When you look at the comments we've seen scrolling through today, every single one seems to say you go above and beyond.”

These employees are often described as the "heartbeat" of their schools and are typically among the first to greet students and parents daily. Those who work closely with them praise their professionalism, dedication, and vital support for school operations, which allows teachers to focus on what they do best: teaching.

This year, level winners were selected from a list of 127 CCSD employees, each nominated by their peers for demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and a strong commitment to the District's mission and goals.

Meet This Year's Winners

This year's elementary level winner, Ashley Talton, is the registration clerk at Compton Elementary School and has served the school for 5 years. 

"I was very surprised. I had no idea. I love my job, and I work hard at it," said Talton, "It's not just a job. This (Compton Elementary) is a family. You can feel the family environment. The staff is family."

Talton is among the first people new families meet during school registration.

Shawn Hall shared similar sentiments. He was selected as this year's middle school-level winner. Hall has been a head custodian at Awtrey Middle School for 10 years. "It's the family and our connections here—just being with everybody. We've been together for so long, so it's just the family environment," said Hall.

Hall keeps the halls of Awtrey Middle sparking clean and helps build sets for the school's theater productions. 

"Part of that is teaching kids, using hand tools, how to measure, and do things that carry them past middle school," said Hall. 

Cobb's high school-level winner, Adonica Bailey, spoke passionately about her role as the site coordinator for Communities in Schools at Cobb Horizon High School. Bailey is dedicated to removing barriers to student success and is known for consistently seeking additional resources for her students.

"As a result of her actions, many students have obtained their high school diploma—even though the odds were stacked against them," one colleague described Bailey in the nomination application for the recognition.

Bailey looks forward to continuing to provide resources and new opportunities for her students to lead them to success. "Every year, I try to find new things to bring to our students, whether it's field trips, lunch and learns, or having industries come in to move our students," said Bailey.

On the district level, Tracy Brock, a technology application specialist, was brought to tears after learning she had been chosen as one of this year's winners. "I'm stunned. I'm usually behind the scenes. Being brought to the spotlight was very surprising," said Brock.

Brock is now in her third year with the District, primarily supporting special education software and solving technology issues. "I want to encourage people to keep learning. It doesn't stop, no matter how old you get," said Brock.

This year's winners and all 127 nominees contribute daily to the District's mission: One Team. One Goal. Student Success.