Courtesy Aiken County Schools
Aiken County Public School District Lead Student Service Worker and McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison Sherida Stroman has been named the School Social Worker of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Social Workers.
This honor is awarded to a member of the SCASSW who is an exceptional advocate for children and families, innovative, and contributes to the knowledge of social work and the public in their own area of expertise.
“Mrs. Stroman is most deserving of this award,” said Aiken County Pubic School District Superintendent King Laurence. “I have known her and worked with her for more than 17 years, and can say that no one has been more of an advocate for our disadvantaged and homeless students than she has. Mrs. Stroman is so compassionate toward the families she serves and works around the clock, nights and weekends, to assist in any way she can. She is a true beacon of light for so many.”
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Due to the sensitive nature of her job, often times the public doesn’t see the tremendous work she does behind the scenes to support students, Laurence said, adding that her dedication to helping students and families is unmatched, and anyone that has the pleasure of working with her admires her commitment.
“Mrs. Stroman is one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever met,” said Carl White, Aiken school district director of Student Services. “On the very first day I met her she taught me that it was about removing barriers for students so they could be successful not only academically, but in their personal lives as well. She has a true servant’s heart.”
She has diligently served the students and families of Aiken County schools for more than 30 years working with students who are identified as experiencing homelessness, and is responsible for ensuring that students regularly attend school while helping them overcome obstacles to their education.
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Humble, tenacious, barrier breaker, and resourceful are just a few words that ACPSD Lead Attendance Supervisor Vicki Miller-McCarthy used to describe Stroman in the nomination process for the award. Miller-McCarthy said she and Stroman have been colleagues and friends for the last 20 years and to this day Stroman continues to provide a positive influence on Miller-McCarthy’s approach to working with students and families.
Stroman, who prefers to stay behind the scenes to let her students shine, said she never expected to win an award for doing the work that she loves.
“I am speechless,” said Stroman. “It’s in my heart to serve children and help provide them with educational success, so this is such an honor to be recognized for doing the work that God led me to. I couldn’t do this work without my faith or the support of my amazing team of colleagues.”
After three decades of working tirelessly to ensure the homeless students in Aiken County have every opportunity to receive a quality education, Stroman is set to retire in June.
