The Manteca Unified School District announced its classified employees and educators of the year.

Included were nine teaching and non-teaching professionals who were recognized for “directly impacting student success and safety,” according to last Thursday’s press release.

Each were nominated by their respective supervisor. Members of an executive leadership committee took it from there, carefully reviewing each of the nominations.

Recognized were the following:

• Counselor of the Year – Adrian Hernandez, Sierra High. She was nominated for her innate skill of connecting with students at a personal level while establishing a rapport based on knowledge and trust.
• Employees of the Year / Clerical & Administrative Services – Sheree Richter, Clerical Assistant at Lathrop High. She was praised for being a dedicated and compassionate leader who helps students and families from all backgrounds, from foster students to those with special needs along with other personal issues.
• Employee of the Year / Custodial & Maintenance Services – Gustavo Albisu, Head Custodian at Mossdale Elementary School. He was also named Classified School Employee of the Year by the San Joaquin County Office of Education. Albisu is noted for taking pride in every detail of his school while constantly looking to improve the work that’s already done in order for others to excel in their respective responsibilities.
• Employee of the Year / Paraprofessional – Devonne Wingart, Paraprofessional II at Lathrop High. She has a knack for motivating students by consistently providing them with positive praises.
• Employee of the Year / Security Services – Chad Simas, School Site Assistant at Sierra High. He was also named Classified School Employee of the Year by SJCOE. He’s known for going above and beyond to provide help and assistance to all students, even those who may not be receptive to his support or intervention.
• Educator of the Year / Grades Pre-kindergarten to Grade 5 – Laura Moore, teacher at Golden West Elementary School. He school staff calls her “an inspiration and an incredible mentor to not only her students but to her peers and new educators.”
• Educator of the Year / Grades 7-8 – Kortney Agdeppa, teacher at French Camp Elementary School. In addition to developing a standardized P.E. curriculum, she keeps her classroom door open for students seeking support for homework or in need of a safe place to study prior to baseball practice.
• Educator of the Year / Grades 9-12 – Desiree Bugarin, music teacher at Lathrop High. She makes it a point to include and welcome all students regardless if they’ve never played a single instrument. “If you are in her classroom, you belong,” said one of her former students.
• Educator of the Year / Support Staff Educator – Kristi Novara, Resource Specialist at Brock Elliott Elementary School. What sets her apart from the crowd is her magic touch with adult learners, which include district leaders, site administrators, other TOSAs, and teachers, according to the MUSD staff.