Nominated by the director of the Blount County Learning Center, Steve Love, Mrs. Aycock is hailed as the “heart and soul” of the school. Serving as the secretary, SSI manager, bookkeeper, receptionist, and the face of the Center, she has become the glue that holds the school together. Mrs. Aycock is the cornerstone, providing a wealth of information and acting as a vital link between parents and teachers.

Steve Love emphasizes, “Mrs. Aycock’s personal touch is evident in her intimate knowledge of every child and their parents, ensuring a warm and caring environment in the office. Greeting each child by name and with smiles, hugs, and stickers, she goes above and beyond to make them feel loved.”

Mrs. Aycock’s proactive problem-solving approach ensures that teachers have the support they need, despite often working alone in the office. Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Crystal Aycock’s dedication extends to organizing Christmas gifts for students, coordinating teacher appreciation week, and fostering community connections. Remarkably, she manages all this with a consistently positive attitude, making her an invaluable and uplifting presence in the school community.

“Mrs. Aycock’s selection as the CLAS Secretary of the Year reflects her outstanding dedication and contributions to the Blount County Learning Center. Her multifaceted role showcases a commitment that goes above and beyond expectations,” said Dr. Vic Wilson, executive director of CLAS. “Mrs. Aycock’s personalized approach is truly commendable. We are proud to honor her with this well-deserved recognition, and her positive impact on the school community is truly an inspiration.”

Nominations for this award were submitted by direct supervisors in each State Board of Education District. Each finalist is held in high regard by his/her employer as well as by co-workers and community.  District finalists are listed below:

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Photo: Crystal Aycock receives the 2023-24 Secretary of the Year award from CLAS and Simbli by eBOARDsolutions. [download photo] [view full award photo gallery]

About the Award: 2023 is the sixth year the Secretary of the Year award has been presented. The award is given to one Alabama school secretary or administrative assistant who supports the vision, mission, goals, and beliefs of the school system; promotes goodwill among co-workers; provides excellent customer service, demonstrates a good work ethic; performs work duties as assigned in an exemplary manner, and participates in professional learning in order to improve work knowledge and skills. The award is given at the annual Secretaries Conference Luncheon held in December. 

About Simbli by eBOARDsolutions: Simbli provides board management software and helps boards automate and simplify everyday tasks through software that facilitates paperless meetings, strategic planning, policy management, board evaluations, document management, and communications. The software was developed by the Georgia School Boards Association. eboardsolutions.com

About CLAS: CLAS, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools was founded in 1969 by a small group of school leaders to provide targeted professional learning and support for Alabama’s public school administrators.  CLAS serves thirteen affiliates representing each type of public school/school system leader.  CLAS provides the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support.  CLAS is the premier professional learning provider for administrators in public schools in the state of Alabama. www.clasleaders.org