LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — This week, Konocti Unified School District announced its classified employees of the year for each school site and for the district as a whole.

While the public has rightly been focused on the burden shouldered by teachers during the pandemic, the unsung heroes of many school districts were the employees outside the classroom, the ones who transported and fed students, the ones who cleaned school facilities to keep them as safe as possible, and the ones who made sure teachers had the information and resources they needed to keep going.

“These people are the glue that keep us together. Without them, we would be lost,” said District Superintendent Becky Salato.

Konocti Unified School District – Juan Hernandez

At a ceremony on May 19, Salato announced Lower Lake High School’s campus supervisor, Juan Hernandez, as the school district’s classified employee of the year.

Colleagues said Hernandez is universally well respected and loved by students, staff, and community members because of the “wonderful, positive demeanor he displays daily.”

Those who nominated Hernandez noted his professionalism and his contribution to school culture, explaining that he “understands his role perfectly and is aware of the importance of building trusting relationships with all those he comes into contact with, including our students. Without a doubt, Juan is a great choice.”

Alternative Education – Daniel Britto

The Alternative Education classified employee of the year is custodian Daniel Britto.

Colleagues who nominated Britto said, “He has done extensive research about the Covid-19 virus and the safety and cleaning procedures required to combat the spread. He has responded swiftly to any health and safety concerns and worked hard to maintain a clean and orderly learning and working environment for students and staff alike.”

Co-workers describe Britto as cheerful, dependable, and compassionate, someone who genuinely cares about the staff and students.

Burns Valley School – Brittany Rohrbacker

Burns Valley School, or BVS, chose Brittany Rohrbacker, media integration specialist and para educator, as their classified employee of the year because of her extraordinary support of BVS students and staff.

Colleagues said, “She has literally done every job and task sent her way. She is always willing to take on new things and learn new skills. Brittany has been an asset during this unprecedented year!”

East Lake Elementary – Christa Vandagriff

At East Lake School, Christa Vandagriff, media integration specialist and para educator, was named classified employee of the year by colleagues who described her as someone who worked very hard this year, often going beyond the call of duty to help students access the resources they needed to be successful.

Konocti Education Center, or KEC – Elizabeth Medina

The KEC classified employee of the year is site secretary Elizabeth Medina.

Medina’s colleagues said, “Elizabeth has a work ethic that is positively inspiring; she never shirks a duty, and she is efficient, thorough, and conscientious about the quality of her work. Elizabeth knows KEC’s families and KEC’s systems, and her attendance is impeccable; indeed, her knowledge is surpassed only by her reliability.”

Lower Lake Elementary – Jennifer Schultz

Lower Lake Elementary announced para educator (classroom aide) Jennifer Schultz as classified employee of the year.

During a year when flexibility was key, Schultz “handled herself professionally and did an amazing job covering for others. Jennifer has been very flexible and willing to do any job we ask of her. She also offers to step in when she sees that help is needed.”

Colleagues noted Schultz’s positivity and warmth as a welcome respite to the challenges they faced throughout the year, saying she is friendly with fellow employees and “always has a smile on her face.”

She commonly greets students by their name and makes a point to engage them in conversation, even if it is just a quick hello.

One colleague said, “She treats children the way that I would want someone to treat my own child. Plus, she is funnier than heck.”

Pomo Elementary – Marisa Ornelas-Gudino

Pomo Elementary named bilingual liaison Marisa Ornelas-Gudino as classified employee of the year. Ornelas-Gudino started at Pomo Elementary in the spring of 2015 and quickly built a reputation as someone who could be depended on in times of need.

If people need translation services, she is there: during parent conferences and meetings, for parent correspondence, during home visits to get students engaged, in the district office Nursing Department, and more.

According to colleagues, Ornelas-Gudino has also “been amazing at assisting all students with any tech issues that arose throughout the school year.”

Child Nutrition Office – Herminia Navarro

Even during a pandemic, people need to eat. Thanks in part to cook Herminia Navarro, Konocti Unified students received the food they needed.

Her supervisor said Navarro was chosen as her department’s classified employee of the year because of her dedication and teamwork.

Her supervisor said, “When we have issues on the fly, she is always willing to help out. When we have work that comes up on a day off or weekend, she never hesitates to help and pick up the extra hours. Her dedication is much appreciated!”

Maintenance and Operations – Dionicio Santana

Groundskeeper Dionicio Santana earned the classified employee of the year for the Maintenance and Operations Department.

His colleagues said he is always willing to help when needed, and that even when asked to help in other areas, he gets his core work done.

They said, “He is a valuable asset and we are very lucky to have him on our team.”

Transportation – Joleen Nichols

The Transportation Department chose bus driver Joleen Nichols as their classified employee of the year. Nichols does more than get students to and from school on time.

Her colleagues said, “not only is she a safe and professional driver, she is patient with kids no matter the circumstance.”

Nichols exemplifies the idea that the school bus is an extension of the classroom. She has a positive attitude, and she makes sure every student is happy and safe.