2024 School Service Personnel of the Year Finalists Announced

Gary Brydie is a school bus operator for Cabell County Schools, a position he has held for more than 12 years. His colleagues consider him a model employee who takes pride in providing safe transportation for his students and serving as a role model for youth. In addition to the positive relationship Brydie has with the students, he is a member of the Neighboring Initiative Charitable Trust Board, serves as chairman of the Positive People Association Board, works as the manager of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Community Service, is a member of the Huntington Black Pastor’s Ministerial Alliance, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Shepard’s House Recovery Program and the Salt of the World Ministries. He is also a member of the Alliance’s Quick Response Team where he meets with community members, paramedics and other agency representatives to address the drug overdose problems facing the community.

Melissa Faw is a payroll secretary at the Raleigh County Schools central office. She has more than 18 years of service, is known for her positive attitude and has great relationships with office colleagues and staff. According to a colleague, she goes above and beyond in every situation to ensure that work is completed accurately and that the needs of employees are satisfied. Faw is an Awana leader at Westview Missionary Church, tutors students at Daniels Elementary and assists in 4-H activities.

Susan Moran is a secretary at Bruceton School in Preston County. She has served in her current position for more than nine years with 16 years of total service in Preston County. Moran is a vital part of her school and her community. She is a 35-year member of the Lions Club and a local GEAR UP liaison. Additionally, she is a homeless service provider and has been instrumental in the development of a district-wide weekend backpack food program that worked with the Food for Preston organization and local churches. This work continues to feed hundreds of students weekly.

Donna Summerlin is a paraprofessional in a fully special education elementary classroom at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB). With more than nine years of service, she served in her current position for two years. Summerlin is known for her hard work, integrity, patience, flexibility, and willingness to help. She is a fluent sign language signer and brings extra support to her classroom and other departments by facilitating communication for all. She is active in 4-H, teaches sign language classes whenever needed and volunteers on the social committee at the WVSDB. She is also a member of the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association.

Darlene Wiltison is a secretary at Burlington Primary School in Mineral County. She has served in her current position for more than 10 years, and colleagues say she assists in a variety of roles when needed. Figuratively speaking, she wears the hats of administrative assistant, parent, friend, school nurse, doctor, counselor, principal, custodian, delivery person and teacher to meet the needs of students, educators and peers. She is known for her demeanor which is described as always personable and friendly. Wiltison is a member of the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association, serves on the Crisis Response team, coordinates the Food for Thought Program and won the 2023 Mineral County School Support Award.