Battery Creek High School Office Manager Diane Grooms was named the Beaufort County School District’s 2014 “Support Person of the Year.”  Grooms’ selection was announced at a breakfast recognizing schools’ individual honorees.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Ms. Grooms and all of today’s nominees,” said Superintendent Jeff Moss. “Our support staff are the engines that make our schools operate efficiently every day, and it’s their hard work and dedication that make excellent classroom instruction possible.”

Grooms was one of three finalists chosen from 32 school support staff nominees.  The finalists were interviewed by a team of judges from across the district.

Support staff can include social workers, school nurses, bookkeepers, office managers, teacher assistants, school secretaries and technology and data specialists.

Grooms has worked at Battery Creek High for two decades and has produced the school newsletter, served on the School Improvement Council, served as president of the PTO, helped to manage the Battery Creek Food Pantry, been involved with Students Against Drunk Driving, managed participation in the annual Relay for Life Event and also helped to establish the “Wake up, South Carolina” project on Interstate 95 that provides free coffee for travelers on Thanksgiving weekends.  She is the mother of three and grandmother of four.

“I love what I do,” Grooms said.  “I see promise in every child, and I treat Battery Creek High students the same way I would want my own children and grandchildren treated. My mission is customer service for everyone.”