Standout Staffers, Volunteers, Students Win School Honors
Jeff Jones, a Japanese and math teacher at East Valley High School, “makes me look forward to coming to class every day,” a student wrote.
John Siverson, an East Valley Middle School custodian, “is the kind of man who will do anything to please people,” noted a teacher. “He’s a teacher in the true sense of the word.”
And Connie Bendio deserves recognition for coordinating a parent volunteer program at Trentwood Elementary School.
The teacher, staff member and volunteer were among the 26 people recognized at East Valley School District’s “Spotlight on Education” on Thursday night.
Central Valley School District also celebrated excellence in education Thursday. The district honored its 22 valedictorians, seven from Central Valley High School and 15 from University High School, 15 retirees and scholarship recipients.
At EV’s award ceremony, district administrators and their spouses served a dinner of chicken with linguine and salad with raspberry vinaigrette. Each award recipient was introduced and honored with a letter and a special pin.
Everyone nominated for the award also will receive copies of the nomination forms and a letter of recognition.
Assistant Superintendent Darryl Isotalo stressed that although the winners deserve recognition, dozens of others in the district also do.
“We know there could have been other people standing in their stead,” he said. “The process came up with these.”
A committee chose the 26 winners from almost 300 nominations turned in by students, teachers, staff members, administrators and community members.
After all the nominations were turned in, the committee of teachers, staff, citizens and administrators screened the forms and chose winners.
At CV’s celebration, valedictorians received recognition and scholarships were awarded by the Central Valley Education Association and parent teacher organizations. Retiring employees were honored during a video that showed people all over the district.”
xxxx ‘SPOTLIGHT’ SHINES Award recipients at East Valley’s “Spotlight on Education” celebration are <: Rhondy Alexander, Betzi Antich, Connie Bendio, Lorali Holt, Judy Ostrom, Brenda Rippee, Mary Hirst, Linda Sly, Barbara Turk, Judi Hankel, Joe Rose, Greta Pool, Joan Tupper, Jill Shillam, Jeff Jones, Mike Malsam, Jon Swett, Lori Jacobsen, Mary Jayne, Darrell Shane, John Siverson, Nancy Larson, Beth Lopez, Bill Nuchols, Karin Steever, Jon Atwood.