Two Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV staff members, Veronica Gardner and Gladdie Paczek, were honored with the Spirit Award at a special ceremony before the board of directors Nov. 19.

Ms. Gardner is a data processing operator in the management and technology department, and Ms. Paczek is a teaching assistant in the Wilmington School District.

The Spirit Award, presented each year for the last seven years, was created to recognize support staff within IU4 who show dedication to their work and are involved in their community.

Ms. Gardner serves as treasurer for Shenango Valley Jaycees, a trustee for Greater Morris Chapel A.M.E. Church, and as elected auditor for Lackawannock Township. She is a member of the NAACP and is on the education committee of that organization. A resident of Lackawannock Township, she has been employed by IU4 for 10 years.

Ms. Paczek, a teaching assistant for the Life Skills Support Class at East Lawrence Elementary School in Volant, developed a handwriting program for students and has driven Amish students home from school after field trips to accommodate their needs. In writing their nominations, many people mentioned the support she gives others, the way she interacts with students and how she often gives of herself gladly.

She lives in Butler and has worked for IU4 for 14 years.