The Shelby County Chamber recently honored several Shelby County Schools employees during their 6th annual Healthcare Professional Awards ceremony.

Treasa Daly – Nurse Supervisor for Shelby County Schools, Andrea Maddox – Health Sciences teacher at Chelsea High School, Marion McCrimon – school nurse at Shelby County High School, and Michael Shields – Health Sciences teacher and athletic trainer at Helena High School, were honored as nominees for the award during a virtual awards ceremony held by the Chamber on August 26.

The Shelby County Schools’ employees were among 23 healthcare professionals from various Shelby County health-related organizations who were honored as “healthcare heroes.” From those nominees, the Chamber selected four individuals for additional award honors, which included one of Shelby County Schools’ very own – Andrea Maddox from Chelsea High School who was recognized with the Heart of Healthcare award.

Maddox is in her second year of teaching a new Health Science class which focuses on teaching students surgical tech skills.

“I’m so excited that Andrea received the Heart of Healthcare award. She has done a wonderful job for us in this new healthcare program in our district,” said Julie Godfrey, Career and Technical Education Supervisor. “In fact, this operating room program is the first like it in our state at a high school level.”

“Andrea has been very involved with every step including writing curriculum, coming up with equipment lists, meeting with other health care providers, and room design – all the while teaching and impacting students. I’m proud to have her on our Career Tech team,” Godfrey continued.

Chelsea High School Principal Jeremy Turner echoed Godfey’s praise of Maddox and her accomplishments in such a short time-frame.

“We are very proud of Ms. Maddox for her recognition from the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce,” said Dr. Turner.  “Since coming on board last year, Andrea has demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism in helping create our new Health Sciences program as well as being a great role model for our students.  We are fortunate to have someone as impactful like her to represent Chelsea in a positive way.”

Melissa Youngblood, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, said all of the district’s healthcare professionals are deserving of recognition this year, especially in light of challenges faced during a global pandemic.

“Nurse Treasa Daly and her leadership during this pandemic has been outstanding,” said Youngblood. “She has worked closely with school leaders and local school nurses in providing guidance and best practices to help us mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Her work, along with the work of our school nurses, has helped us keep our students and staff safe.” 

“Congratulations also to Shelby County High School school Marion McCrimon, and to our Career and Technical Education teachers Andrea Maddox and Michael Shields in also being nominated,” Youngblood continued. “I know every nominee is deserving of the recognition and winning the Healthcare Professional of the Year. Thank you for the work you all are doing during these difficult and challenging times.” 

Helena High Principal April Brand praised Shileds for being both a dedicated and knowledgeable Health Sciences teacher.

“He is committed to being a lifelong learner and continually looks for ways to improve his teaching methods,” said Brand. “Outside of his teaching role, Mr. Shields is also one of our outstanding Certified Athletic Trainers. He is passionate about his job and provides top quality care for all of our student athletes.  HHS is very proud of Mr. Shields and we congratulate him on his recognition as an outstanding healthcare professional.”

Barbara Snyder, Principal at Shelby County High School, said school nurse Elayne McCrimon is in a class all by herself.

“Her service to our students, parents, and community is multifaceted,” Synder said. “She responds to situations with a genuine approach that creates a real ethos of care. Even though she would prefer to remain in the background, we are so proud of her and congratulate her on being recognized as an outstanding healthcare professional.”