The Hernando County School District is proud to announce its 2022-23 School-Related Employee of the Year, Javonkah Graves, who has been a graphic design specialist in the Support Operations division since 2014. An outstanding work ethic, being a true team player, and her deep compassion for others are a few of the attributes that nabbed Graves her nomination and win.

“I enjoy contributing to the improvement of the school, district, and community,” she said. “I feel as though I’m contributing to the success of our students. I particularly enjoy collaborating with others to ensure that the results they get are exactly what they had envisioned.”

Somewhat self-effacing, Graves was in complete shock when she won, noting that so many others are just as deserving of the accolades. ” It takes all of us working together to make our district successful to best serve our students,’ she said.

“Javonkah never loses sight of the fact that she is part of a team,” Genele Firlik, Manager of Warehouse, Property, Printing & Records said. “Without any exaggeration, she is one of the most dedicated and compassionate people I’ve worked with. We are so excited for her, and this recognition is well deserved!”

Graves lived in Brooksville until her family moved to Inverness when she was 4. She attended Citrus County schools and graduated from Citrus High School in 2001. Upon graduation, she moved back to Brooksville and has never left. She is the proud mother of three “wonderful children who keep me extra busy!”

Javonkah Graves receives Hernando County School District 2022-2023 School-Related Employee of the Year

“I would like to congratulate all of my fellow nominees and encourage them to be proud of what they do for our district and students,” she said.

“School-Related Employees are vital to the operations of the school district. We could not function one day without our paraprofessionals, secretaries, bus drivers, food services staff, custodians, bookkeepers, clinic staff, technology team and our specialists,” Superintendent John Stratton said. “Through her work, Javonkah helps us present the best version of ourselves to the community. With her humble spirit, she reminds us of how lucky we are to have her as part of our school district.”