SPS All-Stars: It’s Their Time to Shine

What do Carnell Sheppard, Tracie Twitchell, Corey Sampson, Hakeem Trotter, and Stacey D’Aberle all have in common? They are all making a positive impact on the school communities they serve in our district. It’s one of the many qualities that make them the first recipients of the new SPS All-Star Award.  

The honor was established this year to highlight current district staff who go above and beyond their call of duty and exemplify the values of excellence, teamwork, and commitment. Categories include awards for faculty who are creating a sense of belonging for students and staff, for staff members who are creating pathways and opening doors for student growth, and for educators who make school exciting. 

This month, we are honoring our Super Support Staff – those who may not be in a classroom but still help build a positive culture in our schools. 

Meet the SPS All-Star Super Support Staff:

The Good Sheppard

Rain or shine, crossing guard Carnell Sheppard can be found ushering students safely across the busy intersection at South Walden Street and Rainier Avenue South with a smile and a ‘hello.’ Although Sheppard works for John Muir Elementary, he’s a staple in the community as high school students at Franklin High School remember him from their younger days.  

“He knows which kids like to jump in early, which get distracted, which come alone, which come late,” said Julie Cella, a parent to students at John Muir. “We are blessed to have such a committed crossing guard!” 

Sheppard is a true servant to the community. He successfully advocated to the Seattle Department of Transportation for safety changes at the Walden/Rainier intersection. He is also a military veteran and a retired Metro driver.  

A Driving Force

Transportation Specialist Tracie Twitchell is an ever-present support for schools, overseeing transportation needs from the second floor of the John Stanford Center.  

Twitchell supports the Central Region by coordinating transportation for all eligible students, including those receiving McKinney-Vento (MKV)/foster care or special education services. She pours her heart into helping homeless and medically fragile students, and Lowell Elementary is a big part of her work.  

Fifty percent of Lowell’s transportation provides service to local shelters and transitional housing locations. With over 15 buses to manage, Twitchell has attended Curriculum Night at Lowell Elementary for the last two years helping answer questions and navigate unique situations on behalf of students’ families.  

“Tracie is reliable, community-oriented, solutions-oriented, and is willing to go the extra mile for kids,” said Lowell Principal Chelsea Dziedzic. “She is really awesome.” 

The Caring Coach

Since becoming the head football coach at Rainier Beach High School, Corey Sampson has led the team to multiple winning seasons. But it’s what he does off the field that makes him shine in the eyes of the SPS community.  

According to his colleague, Terry Watkins, Sampson morphs into whatever students need him to be. He’s not just a coach; he is a mentor and father figure to many.   

Sampson is invested in his team’s success both on and off the field. It’s no wonder why many of his athletes have gone on to play at the collegiate level. 

“He has high expectations for each student,” said Peggy Collins. “He works hard to make sure each student is respected.”  

The King of Connection

For the Roxhill Elementary community, Hakeem Trotter is more than a custodian. When he’s not keeping the school clean and running smoothly, he’s acting as the school’s honorary activities coordinator.  

Trotter has made a huge impact on the school by creating opportunities for students to connect. During lunchtime, he runs the Kings & Queens Club for 4th and 5th grade students. He has also organized field trips, community potlucks, and generated partnerships with outside organizations to enrich the Kings and Queens. 

According to Academic Intervention Specialist Emily Kugisaki, Trotter is the key to keeping the school connected. 

“He has put countless volunteer hours into holding space for students to build community and life skills through this weekly lunchtime program.” 

Collecting for Kids

If there’s one thing Stacey D’Aberle knows how to do it’s find a good bargain. Cedar Park Elementary’s daytime custodian spends her weekends scouting yard sales for puzzles and games for students to play. 

“She greets students by name, makes sure messes are just memories, and that our school stays clean and inviting,” said Mary Fickes, the school’s social worker. 

D’Aberle has a wacky sense of humor, and she keeps students and staff on their toes with her ever-changing hair color. She is an integral part of what makes Cedar Park a community.