School district employees honored
For The Madera Tribune
From left: Simone Montez, Madera Unified School District, Employee of the Year; Lalo Lopez, Golden Valley Unified School District, Administrator of the Year; Jennifer Vukovich, Madera Unified School District, Teacher of the Year.
A formal reception preceded the 12th Excellence in Education award ceremony sponsored by the Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU). The event, held at the Madera County Superintendent of Schools Conference Center, honored school employees, administrators, and teachers from Madera County school districts.
• 2018 Classified Employee of the Year: Simone Montez, administrative assistant, Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle School for the Madera Unified School District said, “Going through this process has made me realize that this award is really not about me. This award is truly about the supportive people I am surrounded by who have taught me, guided me, trusted me, and allowed me to make a difference in this community.” 2018 Employee of the Year finalists
• Rhonda Baker, Instructional Assistant, Oakhurst Intermediate, Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District
• Gabriela DePree, Registrar, Chowchilla Union High School, Chowchilla Union High School District
• Kathi Fetterman, Multi-media Center Specialist, Fairmead, Chowchilla Elementary School District
• Don McPherson, Food Service/Bus Driver/Maintenance, Raymond-Knowles Elementary, Raymond-Knowles Union Elementary School District
• Lagina Martinez, Health Aide, Millview/Early Start Program, Madera County Superintendent of Schools
• Rebecca Steinhauer, site secretary, Webster Elementary, Golden Valley Unified School District
• Ricky Virgil, maintenance and utility, Minarets High School, Chawanakee Unified School District 2018 Administrator of the Year
Lalo Lopez, Principal, Webster Elementary for the Golden Valley Unified School District. He said, “The pursuit of excellence requires change in practice and in thinking… At Golden Valley, change and innovation is a way of life. It’s an incredible honor to work for an organization that truly judges people for their character and not for their background, level of education, wealth, or who they know. I’m forever thankful to Webster Elementary teachers and support staff for embracing me and my family.” 2018 Administrator of the Year finalist
Lori Kump, program director, special education, Madera County Superintendent of Schools 2018 Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Vukovich, Teacher, English/Leadership, Madera High School, Madera Unified School District remarked, “I am beyond fortunate to get to work with so many promising young people. Seeing my former 5th and 6th graders walk into my English I class, and then graduate from high school, is such a remarkable experience. My students are my passion.” Teacher of the Year finalists
• Maree Corrigan, Teacher, North Fork Elementary School, Chawanakee Unified School District
• Casie Cox, Classroom Teacher, Merle L. Fuller Elementary, Chowchilla Elementary School District
• Rhiannon Dewey, Teacher, Oak Creek Intermediate, Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District
• Deana Hinkle, teacher for emotionally disturbed (ED), Madera County Superintendent of School
• Denice Lane, secondary teacher, Liberty High School, Golden Valley Unified School District
• Michelle Stevenson, Teacher, Raymond-Knowles Elementary, Raymond-Knowles Union Elementary School District Cecilia A. Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools, said, “Tonight, we showcase our honorees and the many contributions they have made to enhance the lives of our children. Our honorees are often “unsung heroes” and tonight we shine a light on their achievements and see firsthand how they inspire and teach students every day.”
Elizabeth J. Dooley, president and CEO, Educational Employees Credit Union said, “EECU has proudly sponsored the Madera County Superintendent of Schools Excellence in Education awards program since 2007. This event is a wonderful way to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of the many fine educators who guide our students toward a bright future.”
