TUSTIN, Calif.–SchoolsFirst FCU sponsored the Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Excellence in Education Awards Gala.
The event celebrated the achievements of the district’s employees by honoring the talent, dedication and passion they bring to make Santa Maria-Bonita schools exceptional, the credit union said.
Excellence in Education Awards are presented in three categories: classified employees, certificated employees (teachers) and administrative employees.
“By recognizing their district’s excellent teachers, administrators and classified employees, Santa Maria-Bonita is ensuring that its schools create an environment that creates a positive impact for students and lays the groundwork for their future success,” Everardo Velazquez, school and community relations specialist at SchoolsFirst FCU, said in a statement. “SchoolsFirst FCU is proud to support this important initiative.”
Classified Employees
Angel Leyva of Bruce Elementary was honored as the Classified Employee of the Year.
Other employees recognized as finalists in this category included:
Maria Salcido, Human Resources
Sandra Vargas, Sanchez Elementary
Maria Cortez, Multilingual Services
Jessica Hettler, Alvin Elementary
Eric Palmer, Information Technology
Elsa Vargas, Alvin Elementary
Debra Green, Arellanes Junior High
Norma Rico, El Camino Junior High
Veronica Cuenca, Business Services
Certificated Teachers
Esperanza Ruiz of El Camino Junior High was honored as the Teacher of the Year. Other employees recognized as finalists in this category included:
Summer Long, Alvin Elementary
Abe Espino, El Camino Junior High
Lisa Johns, Special Education
Bridgette C. Howard, Rice Elementary
Therese Brady, Arellanes Elementary
Gabriela Jimenez, Teaching and Learning Core
Gricelda Gonzalez, Jimenez Elementary
Maria Yeni Cisneros, El Camino Junior High
Oliver Curley, Battles Elementary
Valerie Sterbonic, Tunnell Elementary
Administrative Employees
Alex Jauregui of El Camino Junior High was honored as the Administrator of the Year. Other employees recognized as finalists in this category included:
Mark Palmerston, Student and Family Services
Heather Allen, El Camino Junior High
Ryan Young, Adam Elementary
Tammie Castillo-Shiffer, Multilingual Services
Tricia Robertson, Special Education
Cynthia Duncan, Liberty Elementary
Andy Symons, El Camino Junior High
Genevieve Beaird, Arellanes Junior High
Tamara Brown, Adam Elementary