By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

A substitute teacher who regularly fills in for teachers in Alabaster and Pelham recently was honored for her hard work, active involvement in the schools and her positive attitude.

Rajeswari “Raje” Chodavarupu recently received Appleton Learning’s School-Based Team Member of the Year Award. Appleton is an education support program used by many area school systems to provide substitute teacher services.

The honor is awarded to an Appleton employee who “is dedicated to fulfilling their job duties and consistently dependable, exhibits a positive and supportive attitude, is actively involved with their school, and overall, exemplifies Appleton Learning’s outstanding service to its students and schools,” according to the company.

“Rajeswari Chodavarupu won the award because she is a wonderful woman who isn’t afraid of hard work,” Theresa Paris-Hundley, central Alabama program manager for Appleton Learning, wrote in a statement. “I can always count on her to give 100 percent at all times and to do her very best in all of her assignments.”

“Appleton Learning wanted to formally recognize our school-based team members who have served Appleton, and the people we support, in an exceptional manner,” Stacey Cloud, vice president of people operations at Appleton Learning, added.

Chodavarupu said she enjoys working with students and teachers in Alabaster and Pelham, and said she “learns from them everyday.”

As a result of winning the award, Chodavarupu was presented with a cash prize and a glass apple.

“Raje’s work ethic is a constant reminder to everyone to be a better person, and that hard work truly pays off in the end. She also has a great sense of humor, which shines through to students and staff, as well. Congratulations, Raje, you deserve it!” Paris-Hundley wrote.

The runners up for the award included Dakarai Nall, Challenger Elementary; Juli Gorman, Pelham High; Damon Brook, Riverchase Middle; and Patricia Bean-Ray, Valley Elementary.