CRESTVIEW — Juanita Payne-Galbreath, a Crestview High School classroom assistant and Okaloosa County's Education Support Professional of the Year, has earned Rep. Jeff Miller's support.
It's easy to see why, based on Miller's remarks during a recent congressional session, as quoted in the Congressional Record:
●"She began her education career at Combs New Heights as an assistant, lunchroom monitor and Exceptional Student Education classroom assistant before continuing her career at Fort Walton Beach High School, where she worked for five years in several capacities. She then moved to her current position at Crestview High School, where she is an ESE paraprofessional.
●"Outside of school, Mrs. Payne-Galbreath — a loving wife to her husband, Joshua, and mother to their 10 children — still finds time to serve Okaloosa County students, going far above and beyond the core responsibilities of her job."
●"Her dedication to the students of Okaloosa County and her community is exemplified by the 'Showers of Blessings Nook,' a service she created that provides high school students and their families basic needs such as shoes, toiletries and food gift cards."
●"It is Mrs. Payne-Galbreath's love, faith and nurturing character … for which we are most grateful."
CHS's Paw Prints newspaper caught up with Payne-Galbreath and asked her about the honor.
How do you feel now that you have won?
I feel blessed, honored, elated. This is a very exciting time for me!
What's next?
Well, I will continue to do my best to ensure that each person I come in contact with feels self-worth, or happiness, or just made to feel like they matter. I strive to treat others better than they may treat me; at the end of the day, go home feeling like I have made a difference in the lives of others.
Is there anything else you want to say?
I would like to thank God for blessing me. My family for standing by me and supporting me in all that I do! I would also like to thank those special teachers who treated me with the utmost respect.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High classroom assistant earns state recognition