Three Ceres Unified School District classified employees will be honored this week as part of the 19th annual “Employees Making a Difference” program in downtown Modesto.
A total of 28 classified staff members throughout Stanislaus County – including one from Keyes and one from Hughson districts –will be honored at a 4 p.m. Wednesday award ceremony at the Martin Peterson Event Center in Modesto. The event is hosted by the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) and Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region VII.
From the Ceres Unified School District to be honored are:
• Esther Baez, an instructional paraprofessional II at Caswell Dual Language Academy;
• Becky Hudson, the Blaker Kinser Jr. High School office manager;
• Kelli Partlow, a Ceres High School youth advisor.
Matthew Hutsell, the principal of Blaker-Kinser Junior High School who nominated Becky Hudson said she “never seems to have a bad day. She is personable and outgoing in all her interactions no matter the context or circumstance. She leads through the power of her example by including everyone with proactive communication and involving all office staff members in the problem-solving work completion process.”
Hutsell added that “Becky has transformed our front office and as a result the school as a whole.”
Randon Jones, the office manager of Ceres High School, praised Kelli Partlow as one who “exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her role as Ag Youth Advisor.
“Her motivation and passion for agricultural education are evident in her daily interactions with students and staff. She consistently demonstrates a high level of skill and knowledge.
“She is a model of dedication and excellence, and her impact is felt far beyond the classroom.”
Over at Caswell Elementary School, teacher Michael Merchant said that instructional paraprofessional Esther Baez “approaches her role with professionalism and heart, adapting instruction, building confidence in students, and celebrating their growth.”
He added that Baez collaborates “seamlessly with teachers, office staff, and administration, always putting students first. Her influence extends beyond her job description, she sets a tone of professionalism and care that uplifts those around her.”
In the Hughson Unified School District, Jillian Bowerman, a lead cafeteria worker at Fox Road Elementary/Ross Middle School, was chosen for honors.
Keyes Unified School District is honoring Deanna Hooker who is with Student Services of the Keyes to Learning Charter School.
The purpose of the “Employees Making a Difference” program is to honor outstanding classified (non-supervisory) education employees in Stanislaus County. Districts forward nominations to SCOE.
Nine of the 28 honorees will advance to the state-level and represent Stanislaus County at the Classified Employees of the Year recognition program sponsored by the California Department of Education. The names of the nine individuals will be announced at the event.
The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County will present the Jane Johnston Civility Award to one of the 28 nominees who best exemplifies the principles of civility. The award is named in honor of former SCOE Assistant Superintendent Jane Johnston, who helped launch the county-wide Choose Civility Initiative in 2010 and passed away unexpectedly in April 2012.
Key corporate sponsors include the Association of Stanislaus County School Boards; Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Law Firm; and Mocse Credit Union.
