Winner: Patricia Rice

Patricia RiceMonitor and

transportation aide

Patricia Rice of Oceanside has received the Superintendent's Outstanding Appreciation Recognition (SOAR) Award from Island Park School District based on her "exceptional work ethic, performance and commitment to excellence." Rice began working as a lunchroom monitor in the district in 1998 and shortly thereafter became an aide in the transportation department and continues to serve in both roles. She has also helped coordinate parent-teacher conference nights, back-to-school nights and flu/pneumonia immunization programs for senior citizens.