Among the Pasadena ISD work family, actions speak louder than words. In the spirit of those contributions, employees from around the district were honored during the second annual Together We Can Employee Recognition Awards for the Spring Semester.

All nominees were treated to a catered lunch and were recognized by the superintendent and the Board of Trustees and presented with a custom lapel pin. Three major awards were also presented. Employees were nominated by their
supervisors or co-workers.

The major awards include the “Achieve More” award, which was presented to someone who was instrumental in contributing to student success and accomplishment of a major campus or department goal. The “Think Big” award was given to a person who came up with a brilliant idea that changed the way their school or department operates, and the “Create Magic” award was handed out to someone who created an innovative classroom experience that creatively impacts the lives of students.

Below is a look at the three major award recipients:

Alfego Montero, Jackson Intermediate
“Achieve More” honoree
Alfego Montero, the head custodian at Jackson Intermediate, is described as someone who “makes things happen with a smile.” He is always checking on students and teachers to see if they need something to make their day a little better. The students and teachers know that they can count on him to help them fix their problems. He treats everyone like family.

Jackson Intermediate principal Paula Sword says he has a heart of gold and excellent work ethic. He supports all major school and department goals and always asks, “What do I need to do to help?”


Kari Mitchell and Sherry Sellers, Beverly Hills Intermediate
“Think Big” honorees
Kari Mitchell and Sherry Sellers were an effective team that made it possible for the Beverly Hills Orchestra to attend the Midwest Clinic, which is a prestigious national event. These two individuals donated their time and efforts to produce a video that told the story that touched the hearts of many and gained Beverly Hills Intermediate School Orchestra recognition. The video portrayed the hard work, persistence, challenges, and emotional hardship the orchestra students endured through this difficult time due to the loss of their director, Leigh Ledford. The video was sent to Mathew Knowles and Oprah Winfrey.

Mr. Knowles was so inspired by the video that he decided to donate $40,000 to the orchestra through the Knowles Survivor Foundation. In addition, he encouraged Oprah to feature the Beverly Hills Intermediate School orchestra on her show.


Debbie McCanna, Park View Intermediate
“Create Magic” honoree
As a special education teacher at Park View, Debbie McCanna is best known for engaging her students in real-world experiences that fascinate her students. As a former science teacher, she has been instrumental in modifying instruction to incorporate a variety of learning objectives.

In one of her lessons, this teacher took the larvae of Monarch butterflies from her shrubs at home and put them in a display case so that her students could watch the developmental cycle of the butterflies. When the butterflies hatched away from their cocoons, the teacher and her classroom aides led students outside to release their beautiful butterflies to the world.

Additional employees who were honored at the Together We Can luncheon
include:

• Marie Alanis, Moore Elementary

• Dusti Baldwin, Richey Elementary

• Gail Boyes and Kris Wallis, Stuchbery Elementary

• Traci Cooper, Sam Rayburn High School

• Laura Davis, L.F. Smith Elementary

• Dana Ferraro, The Summit

• Amy Freisleben and Stacey Redwine, Teague Elementary

• Melanie Garcia, Parks Elementary

• Deana Garza, South Houston High School

• Matt Gray, Police Department

• Jane Golenko, Linda Duke and Linda McCollum, Pasadena High School

• Kim Goolsby, Pomeroy Elementary

• Susie Haas, Thompson Intermediate

• Peggy Jordon, Freeman Elementary

• Dr. Eileen Kahn, Morales Elementary

• Jennifer Land, Golden Acres Elementary

• Jack Larson, Media Services/Textbooks

• Jim Lewis, Schneider Middle School

• Amanda Mazlonka, Frazier Elementary

• Marie McManus, Meador Elementary

• Richelle Morris, Red Bluff Elementary

• Shirley Mose, Transportation Department

• Ofelia Ontiveros, South Shaver Elementary

• Chad Phillips, Career and Technology

• Joy Santos, Southmore Intermediate

• Pat Sermas, Advanced Academics

• Julie Sherer, Genoa Elementary

• Jim Smith, Matthys Elementary

• Debbie Sullivan, Maintenance Department

• Shannon Trejo, Milstead Middle School

• Cesar Vargas, Williams Elementary

• Lisa Walsh, Turner Elementary

• Connie Wheeler, Jessup Elementary

• Holly Yoes, Miller Intermediate