Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Deborah Azua has been named the Classified Staff Member of the Year at Roan School. Azua has been an integral part of the Roan School community since 2017, where she initially served as a paraprofessional before taking on the role of school secretary.
In her role as secretary, Azua is dedicated to ensuring outstanding communication between parents and staff. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent communication, noting, "At the end of the day, it is all for the students."
Azua's commitment to creating a welcoming environment at Roan School extends to everyone who comes through the front doors, from new teachers to students and parents. Azua also takes pride in comforting students, helping them turn a difficult morning into a positive start to their day.
A key aspect of Azua's role is her expertise in interpreting, which is vital in a diverse community. "As the bridge of communication between two languages, it is extremely important to me that I can accurately interpret everything being said in a professional manner," says Azua. She finds fulfillment in seeing or hearing someone's relief when they realize she can assist them in Spanish.
Azua's journey at Roan School began as a paraprofessional for Pre-K and Kindergarten, where she built strong relationships with parents and colleagues. This foundation has greatly contributed to her success in her current role. "When they noticed I moved from the classroom to the office, they were so happy and excited for me, and that was incredibly meaningful to me," she recalls.
Beyond her work at Roan School, Azua is also an active member of her local church, where she collaborates and plans events for church members. She continues her commitment to the community by assisting parents with questions or concerns outside of school, sharing information through social media, and being a trusted resource for her community.
Azua's dedication to serving parents, staff, and students at Roan School has earned her the recognition of her peers and the entire school community. "It takes someone with great communication skills, a good heart, and personality to become the face of Roan School," Azua reflects. Her passion for her work and her ability to foster strong relationships have made her an invaluable member of the Roan School family.