Becky Hudson, the office manager at Blaker-Kinser Junior High School, and Jillian Bowerman, the cafeteria lead at Hughson’s Fox Road Elementary/Ross Middle School are among the nine honorees to represent Stanislaus County in the California Department of Education’s statewide recognition program of classified staff members.

Both were among 28 outstanding school classified employees who were honored last week in the “Employees Making a Difference” program in Stanislaus County.

Classified employees are those who aren’t in a supervisory role.

“We recognize classified staff as leaders in the success of every school and every student,” said Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall. “Their impact often shows up in ways that aren’t measured on a test, but are felt in a child’s sense of belonging, safety, and hope. They are essential, valued, and deeply appreciated.”

Besides Hudson and Bowerman, others being honored at the state level from Stanislaus County schools are:

• Barry Finneman, lead custodian/maintenance & grounds at the Waterford Unified School District, Custodial & Maintenance Services Category;

• Ricky Bispo, student support specialist with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, Health & Student Services Category;

• Hope Lyons, instructional paraprofessional in OK-12 special education with the Modesto City Schools, Paraprofessional Services Category;

• Kristin Casad, noon duty supervisor with the Sylvan Union School District, Security Services Category;

• Paul Sollitt, HVAC/electrician employed by the Empire Union School District, Skilled Trade Services Category;

• Daniel Jimenez Soto, computer technician/paraprofessional with the Chatom Union School District, Technical Services Category;

• Shelly Gentry, warehouse delivery driver – equipment service worker with Oakdale Joint Unified School District, Transportation Services Category.

Additionally, Fabiola Zapien, a Patterson Joint Unified School District paraprofessional, received the annual Jane Johnston Civility Award for exemplifying the principles of civility both at work and in her personal life.

Other local employees who were honored at a Jan. 21 luncheon held in Modesto were:

• Esther Baez, an instructional paraprofessional II at Caswell Dual Language Academy;

• Kelli Partlow, a Ceres High School youth advisor.

• Deanna Hooker who is with Student Services of the Keyes to Learning Charter School.

The Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region VII partnered to honor outstanding classified (non-supervisory).