[View ALL News Press Releases] Patricia Walsh, of Upton, was honored with the National Educational Office Professional of the Year award by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals at their Annual Conference and Institute in Broomfield, CO in July. This award has been given each year since 1973 by the NAEOP at the annual conference. Patricia is only the second person from Kentucky to receive this prestigious award. Nominees are evaluated on their educational background, continuing education and update training, and their membership and service to the AEOP.

Patricia works in the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College financial aid office as a Student Affairs Assistant III. She has been working in Student Affairs for over 19 years. She has served on and chaired various committees and she has volunteered for many college functions, such as recruiting and scholarship fundraising. Patricia also works diligently in many capacities at her church, Oak Hill Baptist, is an active volunteer at the Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, Bowl for Kids for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and various other charitable organizations. Her supervisor describes her as 'an excellent ambassador for the college. She has a sincere dedication to her college, staff, faculty and especially the students."

Patricia says "As I tell everyone I did not earn this award alone. It is a combination of my faith, family, teachers, supervisors, co-workers, and the people I have met through the AEOP organizations that have had a part in making me the person I am today. As we say at ECTC, and I strongly believe, it is all about teamwork."

The AEOP is the only office professional organization recognized by the National Association of Education. The AEOP affiliates' purpose is education, recognition, service, and fellowship for secretaries, clerks, administrative assistants, etc, working in the educational profession. Patricia is the 2008-09 President of the local Hardin County AEOP and is currently serving on the KY AEOP Executive Board and as the KY AEOP scholarship chairperson. The Hardin County AEOP provides two scholarships each year for students pursuing a college education in the business education area. The KY AEOP and the National AEOP also provide scholarships each year.

For more information about AEOP, contact Patricia Walsh at 270-706-8617.