District Five has named finalists for its 2026-2027 Support Employee of the Year award.
The finalists are: Jessica Catalano, a special education assistant at H. E. Corley Elementary School; Jeanette Farr, a literacy lab assistant at CrossRoads Intermediate School; and Dina LaBarca, a school secretary/bookkeeper at Ballentine Elementary School.
Catalano has worked in School District Five for 4 years as a special education assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Health from Central Connecticut State University. She taught 10th grade Physical Education and Heath at Wethersfield High School in Connecticut for five years before leaving her job to become a stay-at-home mother. She now helps teach all subject areas to students in the 4K Special Education Developmentally Delayed program.
“The most important part of my job is building trust and connections with my students,” Catalano said. “When students feel safe, understood and cared for they are more willing to try hard or new things, regulate big emotions, accept help and also build new skills necessary for everyday tasks.”
Farr has been at CrossRoads Intermediate School for five years. She also is the Irmo High School Cross Country Head Coach. She is a sponsor for CrossRoads Intermediate School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group, investing in students’ character and leadership development. She previously served as the Midlands Area Assistant Director for Run Hard for 3 years.
“I believe that my job is important to School District Five because I can help struggling students with reading and comprehension,” Farr said. “Reading opens the world to new adventures and prepares students for real world experiences. My job allows me to ensure students progress in their core classes, feel comfortable to participate in larger classroom settings and put them on the path to graduate from high school. I encourage my students to reach for the highest standard and it first starts with giving them the right tools to grow where they are at, but never stop learning something new every day.”
LaBarca has worked in School District Five for 17 years. She attended Spartanburg Methodist College. Prior to her role as school secretary/bookkeeper, LaBarca served as a kindergarten assistant at Ballentine Elementary for 5 years and as a substitute teacher for 5 years. She finds great joy serving others.
“The most important part of my job is ensuring that the people who make BES special, our staff, students, and families, feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed every day,” LaBarca said. “My role allows me to serve as both a problem-solver and a connector, helping ensure that the many moving parts of our school operate smoothly so that teaching and learning can remain the central focus. Supporting people, anticipating needs, and stepping in wherever necessary are at the heart of how I approach my work each day.”
Support Employee of the Year winners from each school include: Elizabeth Dewalt (Academy For Success), Dina LaBarca (Ballentine Elementary), Bruce Hammond (Center for Advanced Technical Studies), Alyssa Hood (Chapin Elementary), Jessie Owen (Chapin High), Sam Patterson (Chapin Intermediate), Ann Ihrie (Chapin Middle), Jeanette Farr (CrossRoads Intermediate), Kay Dickerson (District Office), Porsche Craft (Dutch Fork Elementary), Beth Wilson (Dutch Fork High), Cindy Chapman (Dutch Fork Middle), Driani Harris (FIVE), Jess Catalano (H. E. Corley Elementary), Kylee Denter (Harbison West Elementary), Sheri Richards (Irmo Elementary), Cassandra Borner (Irmo High), Judith Connor (Irmo Middle), Jordan Nelson (Lake Murray Elementary), Kim McCarthy (Leaphart Elementary), Allyson Utter (Nursery Road Elementary), Sydney Conley (Oak Pointe Elementary), Gail Pennington (Piney Woods Elementary), Michelle Long (River Springs Elementary), Chudney Ellis (Seven Oaks Elementary), Chrissy Gregg (Spring Hill High), Ta’Nico Creed (Transportation).
“Congratulations to our Support Employee of the Year finalists and those who were selected by their peers to represent their school in our district,” Superintendent Akil E. Ross, Sr. Said. “These individuals are an important part of School District Five’s mission to ‘love and grow our students.’ Thank you for doing your part in helping our district and students thrive each and every day.”
