Joann Sawyer has been named the November 2025 Employee of the Month. Joann is a paraprofessional at Elsa Meyer Elementary and was hired August 20, 2018. “The love and acceptance of children can be seen throughout the classrooms. Corunna is a great place to work! Administration is supportive and caring. Staff goes beyond job requirement to do what is best for the children. I enjoy the opportunity to help individual children learn and grow in their abilities,” said Joann.
“A couple of things that may surprise you about include, I went to cosmetology school after graduating high school. In high school I was in class plays. I had breast cancer twice. I started college when my first child graduated (age 40),” said Joann
“My favorite best day was the birth of my first child, plus additional births of other two,” said Joann.
Joann said, “I have two things on my bucket list, travel to Tennessee to see the Ark, and attend a Joyce Meyer concert.”
“One memory I will always have was when the children gave me a surprise 80th birthday party complete with crown, sash, good wishes, and good food,” said Joann.
Joann said, “I believe what sets Corunna apart from other districts is the extra support and opportunities for children to have many positive experiences.”
“I had many people who positively influenced me. My dad gave me my work ethic. My church gives me faith. Former bosses gave me high expectations. Friends give me encouragement and family gives me support,” said Joann.
In her spare time, Joann enjoys reading, painting classes, playing board and card games, attending grandchildren’ and great grandchildren’ sporting events.
Joann has three children, Jeff (Lori) Sawyer, Joe (Tami) Sawyer, and Joy Sawyer Graham, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.