Ohio Department of Youth Services Recognizes Employees of the Year

COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) recognized its Employees of the Year during its annual Employee Recognition Week. The special week encompasses National Correctional Officers, Teachers, and Nurses Week all in one - all critical roles at the facilities throughout the state.

"I could not be more proud of this year's honorees," said DYS Director Amy Ast. "Our line of work is demanding, and I commend our entire staff on their efforts in showing up every day doing this tough job, because it truly matters. These award winners went above and beyond in their roles, and we were so excited to recognize them and our entire staff this week in their commitment to transform and save lives."

View the full list of the DYS Employees of the Year:

• Youth Specialist/Juvenile Correctional Officer Marica Perry - Alliance, OH
• Juvenile Parole Officer Shelley Hughes - Galloway, OH
• Employee of the Year for Facilities Alisha McCollister - Ray, OH
• Teacher of the Year Shelby Morris - Rockbridge, OH
• Central Office Employee of the Year Larry Simpson - Jackson, OH
• Director's Award Abigail Baumann - Pataskala, OH
• Director's Award Akeyla Ragland - Lewis Center, OH

Each site selects its winners, and the agency acknowledges all the Employee of the Year nominees at a banquet ceremony where all winners are recognized.