Patti Howard, lead speech language pathologist for Cherokee County School District (CCSD), was honored recently with the National Patriotic Employer Award. Presented by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve, the award recognizes employers who contribute to national security and to protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in the U.S. National Guard and Reserve Force.

Howard was nominated for the award by Erin Riquelme, a contract occupational therapist who had meningitis while pregnant, while her husband was deployed out of the country by the National Guard. Howard arranged coverage for Riquelme from September through January (through her contract agency) so that she could move home to be with her family after she was released from the hospital. Howard also offered social emotional support during this critical time period for Riquelme and her family.

"We are very proud that Patti Howard's actions were recognized, as this is something that she does daily as a valued employee of CCSD," said Charlette M. Green, director of Special Education for CCSD.