MIU IV awards Spirit Award to employee

Staff report

New castle, Pa.

Melanie Turner has been honored at the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV board of directors meeting as the 2014 recipient of the Spirit Award.

Turner has been employed by MIU IV for 14 years as graphics operator in the Communications Department.

The award, presented by the Intermediate Unit’s Labor and Management Committee, was created to recognize a support staff individual who exemplifies excellence on the job, caring involvement, and involvement in the community. Turner was nominated by several employees from the organization as well as members of the school and business communities. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee representing all areas of MIU IV.

Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV is an educational service agency that provides programs and services to 27 school districts in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. As one of 29 Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania, MIU IV implements projects administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the State Board of Education, the General Assembly and the United States Department of Education.

“Melanie is a talented, hard-working member of our team,” said MIU IV Director of Communications Jill Manczka. “She demonstrates a positive work ethic and does her job with enthusiasm, compassion, commitment and integrity. Her work product meets the high standards that we expect from the employees at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV.”

Turner collaborates with all departments at MIU IV to create marketing materials and publications. This includes graphic design, layout and commercial printing. In addition, she assists with management of MIU IV’s website and daily departmental operations. She manages MIU IV’s annual Very Special Art Exhibit. Turner is the co-founder of the MIU IV Giving Committee, which coordinates dress-down days to raise funds for charity organizations. She also serves on MIU IV’s Labor and Management Committee and is a past treasurer of the Education Support Personnel Association.

In introducing Turner to the MIU IV board of directors, Manczka said: “Not only does Melanie possess a unique skill set in graphic design and print media development, but she also possesses strong ‘people skills.’ I hear many positive comments from our partners and colleagues about her positive attitude and consummate professionalism.”

Turner lives in New Castle with her husband, Mark. She has five grown children and five grandchildren.