EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR, HERE'S TO YOU
There are more than 36,000 school employees across Riverside County.
Seven have been voted as this year’s best.
They are the Educators of the Year as named by the Riverside County Office of Education.
After being nominated by their peers, they entered the selection process. Starting in early February and ending in early March, winners found themselves surprised at work by co-workers, family members and the county superintendent himself, Edwin Gomez, with the news that they had won.
The winners, along with the Teachers of the Year named in 2023, will be recognized at the Celebrating Educators Luncheon on May 7 at the Riverside Convention Center.
Here’s a look at the seven honorees for this year.
Gabriella S. Zlaket, Counselor of the Year
Zlaket, the daughter of a farmworker and member of an immigrant family, graduated from Riverside’s Arlington High School before a journey that took her to UC Berkeley and Harvard University, a county schools news release states. Since 2003, as a counselor at her former school, Zlaket has worked to use data to help students and keep them on track for graduation and careers. She’s also the lead counselor for students learning English.
“My life was changed by so many educators who took my hand and guided me and believed in me. And all that I’m doing, and all that my fantastic team and colleagues and school family are doing, is just paying it forward,” Zlaket said in the release. “We are investing in our future because
Gabriella S. Zlaket our kids are our future.”
Michelle Forcina, Classified Employee of the Year
Forcina moved up to her job supporting the principal at Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley after starting as a substitute in the attendance office. She handles registration and recognition events and coordinates meetings and payroll, while connecting with students, parents and employees.
Michael Sattley
“I love all of you, my students out there and the staff that is so supportive,” Forcina said after receiving the award, according to the release. “I’m so grateful for all of you, and I am looking forward to many more years with all of you.”
Michael Sattley, Classified Administrator of the Year
As the director of facilities services for the Hemet
Unified School District, Sattley has focused on improving older schools to bring them up to par with newer ones. That process sees him interviewing principals, teachers, students and community members to ensure construction is not simply an inconvenience.
“I can’t do what I do without the support of an amazing team,” Sattley said in the release. “The support here and the amazing support I have at home allow me to do this important work.”
Emily Price, Principal of the Year
Price, who leads Megan Cope Elementary School in San Jacinto, has overseen the transformation of a library into a media center, created ways to engage parents, bolstered teamwork among the staff through training, and prioritized collaboration between teachers, parents and students, the release state. In her career, she’s been a teacher, educational consultant and professional development trainer.
“This recognition isn’t just about me; I could never have done this by myself,” Price said in the release. “This is a reflection of the amazing support of the staff and students at Megan Cope.”
Cindy Vasquez, Confidential Employee of the Year
Vasquez serves as executive assistant in the Jurupa Unified School District to two assistant superintendents, handling duties such as organizing, scheduling and running office operations. She brings an understanding of the language barriers faced by Spanishspeaking parents and students and offers to translate but also reassure them, the release states.
“I’m honored to receive this award and want to thank all of you for the kind words,” she said in the release.
Ryan Mulvanny, Certificated Administrator of the Year
Over 16 years, Mulvanny has been a teacher, principal and instructional technology specialist in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. Now director in the professional development and learning department, he ensures all employees continue to improve so they can effectively teach students.
For example, in November, he planned the district’s first all-day, all-staff training session for nearly 3,000 employees.
“I love my job, at every step along the way, and I’m humbled to come to work every day and make a difference in people’s lives and to be a little better every day for our students,” Mulvanny said after learning of the award, according to the release.
Sharon Nakama,
Site Support Employee of the Year
Nakama, a coordinator for special education for the Moreno Valley Unified School District, works with 16 schools and 40 teachers in a program called Life Skills that educates students from infants to adults. She aims to connect students and families with resources in the disabled community and believes all children can learn despite disabilities.
“I really appreciate this recognition, but I know that this is because of the amazing team effort,” Nakama after learning of the honor, according to the release. “I am so thankful for everyone I work with and am so grateful.”