She is a super supporter

Suzie Morse has been a fixture at Chiles Elementary since day one.

From school volunteer to PTA president to school secretary, Morse has played an integral part in the school's success.

Morse was among 15 Hillsborough County school district employees to receive a Jan. 6 visit from the Hillsborough Education Foundation's "Surprise Patrol."

Foundation representatives greeted Morse with flowers and a balloon to inform her that she had been selected as a finalist for the school district's instructional support employee of the year. The winner will be named at a Jan. 28 ceremony.

"It was a well-kept secret," Morse said. "I was very humbled to first be nominated here at Chiles and second to be nominated by the district. I thank the community for supporting me and the school."

Chiles Elementary Principal Kim Pietsch said Morse is worthy of recognition because of her outstanding dedication, strong work ethic and support for the school.

"She does so much for the school, the teachers and me," Pietsch said. "Although she does so much more, she is like the school's unofficial greeter."

Pietsch and science teacher Sharon Cutler wrote letters of recommendation in support of Morse.

"If a need arises anywhere on campus, (Morse) can be depended upon for support, guidance and labor to accomplish tasks for the good of the school," Cutler wrote. "(Morse) is respected and admired for her diligent commitment, unquestionable enthusiasm and persistence in making sure that students and teachers are successful."

The Hillsborough Education Foundation annually selects finalists for the county's Teacher of the Year, the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year and the Instructional Support Employee of the Year.

Candidates for teacher of the year are Crystal Dukes of Freedom High, Ryan Kinser of Turkey Creek Middle, Emily Marrero of Philip Shore Elementary, Marcy Ringdahl of Alafia Elementary and Holly Sinclair of Gorrie Elementary.

The finalists for the Baker award are Jene Bell of Chamberlain High, Kimberly Duran of Foster Elementary, Japera Helene Hodges of Witter Elementary, Michael Oliver of Youth Services and Karen Willis-Barrett of Greco Middle.

The Baker award, named for the first black woman to serve as a high school principal in Lee County and as deputy superintendent of the Florida Department of Education, recognizes teachers who promote diversity and encourage students' academic success.

The other finalists for instructional support employee of the year are Susan Marie Blackmon, Oak Park Elementary; Julie Harris, Broward Elementary; Valerie Pearce, LaVoy Exceptional Center; and Kelly Jean Zelaya, Stewart Middle Magnet.