October through December 2022 Employee Excellence Awards

Koreen Bennett loves teaching band! Through her dedication, enthusiasm, and a well-structured curriculum, Koreen has built impressive band programs at Gaiser and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools. She is committed to her students and strives to provide them with a variety of performance opportunities. Recently, she took both schools to a local band festival to gain additional experience and learn more about the craft of music. Koreen shares a love of music and a wonderful work ethic with her students.

Jeni McAnally is a devoted teacher (also a counselor, advisor, and fan) who has an incredible relationship with her students. There are so many factors that distinguish Jeni as a teacher. She provides sincere valuable feedback (not just grades), sets high expectations, and celebrates, honors, and acknowledges students, creating a safe space for everyone. When she’s not in the classroom you can find her at the scorer’s table at a basketball game or cheering on students at extracurricular activities. 

Keith Norris teaches concert band to students at Fort Vancouver High School. He inspires students and motivates them to try playing musical instruments when they may not have prior opportunities or experience in music. In addition to teaching band in the classroom, Keith goes out of his way to arrange field trips, concerts, events and fundraisers. One nominator shares, “I really appreciate his dedication, and all that he does for our kids.”

Brandie is an exceptional Physical Therapist who supports students with disabilities, the IEP and 504 Teams, and parents. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, ensuring that students have access to their learning environment. Brandie advocates for students, clearly explaining her considerations while going above and beyond to ensure students’ needs are met. Whether finding a student a temporary transport chair or helping identify a student medical issue, Brandie is resourceful and determined to help. Students and families appreciate her professional, compassionate approach and the “heart” she brings to her work and their lives. 

Lynn Wu is an EL-Lead para at Sacajawea Elementary School where she really shines when working with some of the most vulnerable students. She tailors her approach to each student’s specific needs and invites every child to be their very best everyday by encouraging them to start the day in a positive frame of mind. When not working in a classroom or one-on-one with a student, Lynn supervises and leads Sacajawea’s student safety patrol. She’s written a number of critical grants for much needed items like hats, coats, cones and safety signs for the school. One nominator shared, “No one has impressed me more than Lynn Wu – what a treasure!”

Leeah Crawford is an inspirational educator and her boundless enthusiasm is contagious to those around her. She builds community through positive, authentic, student-centered activities and her expectations for her students are only surpassed by her love for them. When she is not teaching in the classroom, she dedicates her time to creating after school enrichment opportunities like the sewing club and school talent show. Her students will have positive, long-lasting memories of their time in her care. 

Grace Elligott, the district’s transportation supervisor, has worked extraordinarily hard this year to ensure our students get to school on time. During this challenging time of driver shortages, Grace remains calm and understanding, always acknowledging her team and drivers on a personal level. She maintains a positive attitude every day and keeps all of the transportation operations in motion, while also driving a bus route. 

Robert knows how to motivate middle school students, pushing them to do their best while making it fun. He has a way of helping students feel special and he gives them his full attention. Parents share that Robert is very understanding and approachable, willing to talk about situations, helping students feel understood and he has a willingness to do whatever he can to to help them. 

Anna is a dedicated, passionate special education teacher who advocates for her students every day. One nominator shares, “She has a special relationship with her students and they adore her!” Besides her creative and thoughtful classroom management and lessons, Anna is a tremendous help to coworkers, sharing her findings and resources with others as a mentor and friend. 

Our connection to the community is strong, loving, and engaging thanks to the work of Lincoln Elementary’s amazing FCRC Coordinator, Judit Torrents. She works tirelessly to meet our families’ needs to help ensure the students are ready and able to participate in their learning while at school. She organizes family engagement nights as well as works side-by-side with the teachers of the building to empower our connections with our students and their families. Whether it’s helping kids find clothing or shoes that aren’t falling apart or snacks to help their brains and bodies stay ready for the day, Judit goes above and beyond every single day. She helps in creating our video morning announcements that engage the entire Lincoln community every morning. Judit’s room is always warm, inviting, and open for all who need support – students and staff alike! 

Enid Axtel is a teacher who has tremendous respect from her students. She is very kind and inclusive, and she takes the health and well being of her students very seriously. Enid creates a kind, open, and supportive classroom environment while showing students how hard work can translate into results. When she is not in the classroom, Enid also serves as the Associated Student Body advisor, attending meetings and ensuring that ASB student events and programs are “better than perfect.”  

Nicole drives the bus for our special education students at Hudson’s Bay. Her dedication to this position and our students are unflappable and she always maintains a positive attitude and friendly approach, taking the time to offer a hug and share a smile. One nominator offers, “It melts my heart every time I see someone outside of our SCC classroom embrace our students for who they are, and that is exactly what Nicole does.”

Lisa Dunning is an asset to Hudson’s Bay and our community, with our students’ best interests at heart. Recently, during a medical emergency, she responded quickly and administered CPR. Her quick, courageous actions are no surprise, because that is how she approaches her work each day. “She is a true hero!”

Stephanie’s amazing classroom management skills ensure all general education students, as well as students with IEPs, excel with her instruction. She works collaboratively with other staff and paraeducators to make her classroom welcoming to students of all backgrounds and abilities. Stephanie’s teaching style resonates deeply with her students and many can attest to feeling empowered to do their best work when in her classroom. Current and former student alike have named Stephanie their favorite teacher. 

It is hard to miss Chris’s contagious energy and enthusiasm. She truly enjoys working with people and understands her middle schoolers, offering them an abundance of love and care. In addition to serving students in the classroom by showing them how much she cares about their well-being, she is a wonderful mentor and resource for colleagues, offering support and reassurance while listening to others. Her commitment to creating a positive learning environment extends beyond the classroom and she actively participates in and supports the school’s PTSA work as well.