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Doretha Simpson’s knack for organization and love for the Newberry County School District have been commended.

Simpson is the school district’s Support Staff Employee of the Year for the 2012-13 school year and is thrilled to be recognized for her job as administrative assistant to the superintendent that she has enjoyed for 15 years.

Her total dedication and involvement with the district adds up to 35 years. She began her career in 1977 at Gallman Middle as secretary to Principal Bill Floyd. She has also served as administrative assistant to the assistant superintendent for instruction, Cynthia Downs, for 20 years.

“I really enjoy this and believe that my job is important to the district of Newberry County,” says Simpson.

Bennie Bennett, superintendent, has this to say about Simpson, “Ms. Simpson is the consummate professional. I have observed her in many stressful situations and she is always mindful of her position and how she represents the district. Her willingness to serve and help others is admirable and sets a very high standard for other employees in the district.”

He continues by saying, “She is very committed to the overall mission of the district and she makes sure that the office of the superintendent operates very efficiently and effectively. I would rate (her) in the top five percent of any professional I have ever worked with in my career.”

Simpson has also worked with past superintendents Tom Faulkenberry and Keith Callicut in addition to interim superintendents.

As for working with Bennett, Simpson says, “Over the past six years has been a joy. He is loyal and dedicated to his job and a good leader.”

In addition to working with the superintendent, she also works with the school board.

“Having a strong working relationship with the board makes attending the board meetings more fun,” she says.

When explaining what she enjoys most about her job, she says, “I like the fact that I am able to share my talents and skills. The greatest reward I find in my job is being able to observe the growth our school district has accomplished over the years. It has been even more fulfilling to be able to participate in that productivity and growth.”

As for her own growth into her career, Simpson says that she knew wanted to get into the education field. That was one of her goals upon graduating high school, she states.

I wanted to get into education because I truly believe that I could make a difference and touch the lives of others,” Simpson said. “Personally knowing some educators inspired my decision as well. Working as an administrative assistant for 35 years has truly been my passion. Most importantly, I have had the opportunity to focus on helping and reaching out to various people in the community. I am a genuine person and am dedicated to the students, parents and employees of the district. I can’t see myself doing anything different.”

Simpson certainly displays a passion for her job and the Newberry County School District that she attended growing up. She was born and raised in Newberry County.

Simpson is a product of Whitmire - more specifically - the Maybinton area.

Living in Maybinton was a positive experience for Simpson who enjoyed the small town life. She also attended Carver Elementary School and graduated from Gallman High.

She recalls “being bussed into Newberry for (high) school,” since she lived outside the city.

“Everybody knows everyone. I’m very small community oriented,” said Simpson who adds that no one is a stranger in that area.

Simpson is certainly no stranger to Newberry as she is not only involved with the school district but her church as well.

She is a member of Seekwell Baptist Church in Whitmire and is also the church treasurer and has been secretary for 15 years.

She is quite fond of her church adding to her love of small town community.

In addition to being active in her church, Simpson is also involved with a few professional administrative associations.

“It allows me to connect with other (educational administrative) employees,” says Simpson.

Simpson is a member of the Newberry County Association of Office Professionals, S.C. Association of Educational Office Professionals and National Association of Educational Office Professionals.

These organizations allow her to participate in professional development programs and it also allows her “to make a difference in the local organization.”

Plus, she has gained valuable friendships, she adds.

In addition to these memberships, she is also a certified educational office employee because of the many requirements she has met.

While being certified and having membership are nice benefits, the love Simpson has for the district’s staff and students exudes from her love.

“I consider the most important part of my job to be to represent the constituents of Newberry County in a positive manner,” says Simpson, “It is my goal to support my colleagues in the greatest undertaking there is, which is educating and preparing our students for future productivity to reach new heights of success.

Simpson loves her job and believes she is a spokesperson for support staff employees.

“My message to the general public would be a reminder of our important and how our contributions are crucial to the overall organization and the productivity of our school system. We support the efforts of the certified and administrative staff by maintaining the standard for success as proud employees of the school district of Newberry County. It is imperative that we all labor together on this journey of striving for brighter futures for all stakeholders,” said Simpson.

Note: Simpson along with Teacher of the Year Debbie Shealy will be recognized at the annual reception at Newberry Middle School on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. Along with Simpson and Shealy will be the teacher and support staff nominees from each school.