Custodian sweeps school awards

Every year Douglas County School District recognizes dedicated educators and staff during the Employee Recognition Awards.

“We’re fortunate to have hundreds of dedicated employees, substitutes, and volunteers who deserve special recognition,” said DCSD Director of Marketing and Communications Hailey Sebahar. “We want to acknowledge and thank each and everyone for their hard work and dedication every day.”

During the Aug. 30 event, Jacks Valley Elementary School’s Head Custodian Randy Thiele was named Distinguished Support Staff employee for his dedication to the school and even coming in on weekends to remove snow.

“He is one of the hardest working people you will ever meet,” said Jacks Valley Principal Pam Gilmartin. “He truly cares about our school, and it shows.”

He was also awarded in Facilities and the DCSD District Distinguished Support Staff. 

Paraprofessionals Giselle Conchas Montes of Meneley and Tonya Clutts of Scarselli Elementary school were recognized for their support and relationships with students, staff and parents.

Darcy Mcinnis was named district educator of the year. Damasa Miller was the elementary educator and Dana Kyle was the secondary school educator.

Distinguished administrator, Meneley Elementary School Principal Blaine Spires said when a student’s behavior meets expectations, they are able to grow more academically and the students Montes has worked with have shown growth in both.

“Montes has made a tremendous impact on the students she has worked with this year,” said Spires. “She is patient, kind and has genuine empathy for her students. Parents also know the positive impact she has had on their child.”

Scarselli Elementary School Principal Susan McNeal said fifth-grade girls often seek Clutts out for support and advice and when a student struggles to make friends or lacks the skills to play well with others, Clutts helps them develop those skills.

“She’s like our second counselor or social worker, she has built such deep relationships with every single student at this school and because of that she is simply amazing at helping students through problems of any sort,” McNeal said. “Her empathetic, caring and compassionate approach to students and staff has made a positive impact at Scarselli.”

Piñon Hills Elementary School’s Lacey Schulz was named Distinguished Employee of the Year and Zephyr Cove Mary Berry Distinguished Classified Staff member. 

Other awarded Support Staff include Gardnerville Elementary School Maritza Padovani, Minden Elementary School Michelle Galliett, Carson Valley Middle School Ann Crocket, Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School Linda Slater, Douglas High School Carmen Patron, George Whittell High School Larry Berg, ASPIRE Academy High School Shawna Pacheco, School Nutrition Nicole Davies, District Office Teri Olson, Transportation/vehicle maintenance Leslie Benson, Student Health Services Tawny Spires and Information Technology Becky Butler.

Awards in Distinguished Educator, Administrator, Counselor, Service Provider, Supervisor, Substitute teachers and volunteers were also presented including Kyle Martinez and Ron Harpin for volunteers and Becky Brock and Robin Futch for substitute teachers.

Teachers and staff are nominated and voted for recognition in three categories by their colleagues: Distinguished educator, employees and support staff.

“We want to thank the Carson Valley Inn Casino, Ron Harpin Photography and Kid Pix Portrait Studio for helping make the evening unforgettable,” said Sebahar.