Last month, Dr. Karen Couch, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools, was out knocking on classroom doors, surprising teachers and support staff with balloons and flowers.

Her county tour with Supervisor of Human Resources Dan Hushion, principals and other members of the administrative team has been the opening act of this year's annual Kent County Public Schools awards celebration.

"This year's award recipients deserve to be recognized because of the significant contributions they've made in their school and in the district," Dr. Couch said. "Each one has helped our light shine brighter in the community and I appreciate them for their dedication to KCPS."

Each year, the schools name a Teacher of the Year, Support Employee of the Year and Promising Educator.

The school-based honorees then compete for the honor of Kent County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Support Employee of the Year and Promising Educator Award.

Those awards will be announced in a celebration at Kent County High School Thursday evening, March 30.

This year's school-based award winners are:

Galena Elementary School

Teacher of the Year — Mary Jessica McGee

Support Employee of the Year — Suzan Lovekin

H.H. Garnet Elementary School

Teacher of the Year — Laura Morrone

Support Employee of the Year — Theodosia Parker

Promising Educator — Jodi Bortz

Promising Educator — Taylor Johnston

Rock Hall Elementary School

Teacher of the Year — David Jachimowicz