Salute, an annual staff celebration, is three weeks away and for the first time, we’re expanding our recognition categories and celebrating even more of our incredible team members. In a recent statement, the organization emphasized the importance of acknowledging the collective effort that goes into providing students and families with a stellar educational experience.
Among the finalists in various categories, Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from LBJ Early College High School have been recognized as finalists for Teacher of the Year.
Cynthia Meza from Langford Elementary School, Adrianna Hill from Crockett Early College High School, and Isamar Albiter Suarez from Norman-Sims Elementary School are in the running for Teaching Assistant of the Year.
For Counselor of the Year, finalists include Evelyn Ramirez from Langford Elementary School, Lisa Adams from Summitt Elementary School, and Lisa Reza from Garza High School.
In the category of Librarian of the Year, finalists are Debby Harris from Blazier Elementary School, Amy Gibbs from Joslin Elementary School, and Sarah Ruttan from Ridgetop Elementary School.
Recognizing the importance of administrative support, Campus Clerical Staff of the Year finalists are Giovanna Montalvo-Sanchez from Travis Heights Elementary School, Sara Sanchez from Mills Elementary School, and Marie Vasquez from Zavala Elementary School.
Assistant Principal of the Year finalists include Melissa Kender from Marshall Middle School, Sachi Edson from Clifton Career Development School, and Melissa Puga from Highland Park Elementary School.
Principal of the Year finalists are Beth Cantu from Baranoff Elementary School, Marlo Malott from O.Henry Middle School, and Michael Herbin from Akins Early College High School.
Transportation Staff of the Year finalists are Linda Shelby from Nelson Terminal, Daniel Webb from Southeast Terminal, and Tamara Buchanan from Saegert Terminal.
Campus Safety and Security Staff of the Year finalists are Val Barnes and Kevin Wooden from Austin ISD Police, and Virginia Rodriguez from Murchison Middle School.
Recognizing the vital role of custodial and facilities maintenance staff, finalists in this category include Joshua Gomez from Oak Hill Elementary School, Irma Escobar de Beltran from Zilker Elementary School, and Barbara Mulkey from Graham Elementary School.
Lastly, finalists for Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year are Wilson Gonzalez from Mathews Elementary School, Rubi Orduna from Joslin Elementary School, and Mary Jane Kistler from Travis Early College High School.
The winners will be announced at the Salute Awards on May 8, and the organization encourages everyone to show their support for these outstanding finalists.