FLORENCE, SC / ACCESS Newswire / November 2, 2026 / Patrick McIver, an ISS monitor at Southside Middle School, has been named Florence 1 Schools Support Employee of the Year. Superintendent Richard O'Malley announced the honor at the 26th Annual School Foundation Gala. McIver has also served in other supportive roles, including substitute teacher and school resource officer. Other finalists for Support Employee of the Year include Carrie Connor, who has twice been named Support Employee of the Year at West Florence High School; Melissa Gregg, Savannah Grove Elementary School; and Tina Salyer of South Florence High School.

"Patrick McIver exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond as a support staff member," said Southside Middle School Principal Beverly Greene. "He is deeply committed to the safety, success, and well-being of every student at Southside Middle School. Mr. McIver consistently steps up wherever he is needed, helping create a safe and positive school environment while building meaningful relationships with our students."

Each of the Florence 1 Schools support staff finalists also received accolades from their principals. "Carrie Connor is an invaluable asset to the front office at West Florence High School. By working seamlessly with staff, students, and parents, she ensures that daily operations at West run smoothly. West is truly Best with Carrie Connor," said West Florence Principal April Leroy.

"Melissa Gregg is the first person our visitors see at Savannah Grove Elementary School," said Principal LaTonya Yates-Ford. "She is always courteous and kind to everyone. Students and staff make special trips to the office just to say hello or get a quick hug."

"To say Tina Salyer manages our office is a profound understatement; she truly nurtures our entire school. She is the vital thread that holds us together, serving as a calming voice of reason and the absolute epitome of professionalism," said South Florence High School Principal Kristen Cue.

According to the National Education Association, education support professionals help keep schools running and students safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

In Florence 1 Schools, Support Employees are represented by nine career families including clerical service workers, custodial and maintenance workers, food service workers, health and student service workers, paraeducators, security workers, skilled trades workers, technical service workers and transportation service workers.

2026-2027 Support Employees of the Year

Eunice Holloman, Advantage Academy

Jamie Wilson, Alfred Rush Academy

Leigh Ann Arthur, Briggs Elementary

Cynthia Welch, Brockington Elementary

Janeene Bynem, Carver Elementary

Angela Jackson, Delmae Elementary

Linda Hall, Dewey Carter Elementary

Jill Richburg, Florence 1 Schools Administrative Office

Debbie Gibbs, Florence 1 Schools Adult Education

Leo Lewis, Florence 1 Maintenance Services

Tarvis Clark, Florence 1 Schools Transportation Services

Ruthie Hilton, Greenwood Elementary

Cynthia Sowell, Henry Timrod Elementary

Jacqueline Toney, John W. Moore Middle

Carlonetta McAllister, Lucy T. Davis Elementary

Lindsay Newton, McClenaghan Annex

Rita Balutis, McLaurin Elementary

Dante Blakeney, North Vista Elementary

Belva Sawyer, RN Beck Child Development Center

Tammy Patrick, Royall Elementary

Melissa Gregg, Savannah Grove Elementary

Teddric Davis, Sneed Middle

Tina Salyer, South Florence High

Patrick McIver, Southside Middle

Tracey Vestal, Theodore Lester Elementary

Ronald Morrison, Wallace-Gregg Elementary

Carrie Connor, West Florence High

Cristy Rabon, Williams Middle

Glenda Ruth, Wilson High

Gavin McLaughlin, Woods Road Child Development Center

Media Contact: Melissa Rollins
Phone: (843) 758-6037
Email: marketing@f1s.org

SOURCE: Florence 1 Schools