Awards honor nonteachers
Administrators, staff and benefactors receive recognition
Members of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce honored non-teaching individuals with the 2018 S. June Pallack Excellence in Education Awards during the “Good Morning, Yuma!” breakfast held Thursday.
Now in their third year, the awards were named for longtime Yuma educator June Pallack. It was started by the Board Chairman Ed Shippen, who was then board chairman, and through the generosity of the Pallack family.
The awards honor nonteaching individuals, such as workers, administrators, businesses, volunteers and school board members.
More than 60 individuals were nominated, and the chamber’s Education Committee selected three finalists for each of the six categories.
Finalists for School Services Person of the Year were Kofa High School campus groundskeeper Oscar Garcia, Yuma High campus facilities supervisor Tony Garcia amd Crane School District cafeteria manager Lourdes Marquez.
The winner was Oscar Garcia, who has worked in Yuma schools for more than 30 years, “and throughout that generation of service, has always made sure that the school environment is a source of pride and safety,” Chamber Executive Director John Courtis said.
“This winners’ work ethic is unmatched and it is said to be an inspiration to others. Working in an older facility, this individual has been known to be very
creative in how things get fixed and how problems get solved.”
Finalists for School Administrator of the Year were Crane School District Transportation Director, Johnnie Cady, Fourth Avenue Junior High Principal Jose Cazares and Gowan Science Academy Principal Jaime Haines.
Haines was named the winner. Her nomination form “is full of words like vision, collaboration, kind, energetic, involved and engaged,” Courtis said, noting that she is “said to be extraordinarily optimistic and uses a professional background to facilitate the development of lifelong learners, readers, creators and leaders. She is no stranger to awards ceremonies and is truly a role model for others.
Finalists for School Board Member of the Year were Yuma Union High School Board Member Bruce Gwynn, St. Francis of Assisi School Advisory Council President Rick Holtz and Yuma Union High School Board Member Phil Townsend.
Holtz won the award. Courtis described him as “completely dedicated and committed to the educational excellence of all the students, teachers and staff. He, like the others, contributes greatly to the community.”
However, Courtis noted, Holtz stood out because of his work inside the school, physically helping to build the library, actually working on technology upgrades and showing staff and teachers how to use current technology.
“He’s ambitious, creative and innovative,” Courtis added.
Finalists for Instructional Support Staff of the Year, a new category, were Aztec High School educational aide Bobby Guzman, St. Francis of Assisi School Librarian Mary Slater; and Yuma High School Librarian Caitlyn Zaksheske.
The award went to Guzman, who “does so many things outside the job description,” Courtis said, adding that he goes out of his way to make sure that students get back on track and stay on track.
Although Guzman is strict, he has been a catalyst for students to achieve more. Courtis noted that he only runs the computer lab, but is the coach, lawn care man and role model for his students.
Finalists for Support Staff of the Year were Adult Literacy Plus administrative assistant Anna Estrada, Carver Elementary school nurse Rebecca Lorona and Arizona Western College administrative assistant Biridiana Martinez.
The winner was Martinez for creating “a warm and welcoming environment for nervous students so they can talk with her about their problems and learn about the lifelong learning process,” Courtis said.
“Her poise and professionalism provide an exemplary role model for students in our community. She transcends her basic job by volunteering at other schools,” Courtis noted, pointing out that she is the chair of the school’s classified employee group and also a student.
Finalists for Business Benefactor of the Year were Wayne Gale of 1st Bank Yuma, Michael Morrissey of Housing Authority of the City of Yuma and Dan Shay of Shay Oil Co./Chevron.
The winner was 1st Bank Yuma. “This business truly transforms students, affording them life skills and opportunity Yuma County students did not have prior to 2012,” Courtis explained.
“Today, (the Everfi) program is in 10 high schools, and to date, have had over 10,600 students pass their innovative, no cost to the school or student, curriculum.”
The Education Committee and judging panel was comprised of Matt Buckley, Debbie Carpenter, Joel de la Vara, Patrick Goetz, Karime Hayer, Sheryl Hehe, Melissa Rushin Irr, SJ Macias, Shelley Mellon, Linda Munk, Steve Pallack, Tania Pavlak, Dale Ponder, Bill Regenhardt, Mike Sabath and Gina Thompson.