2011 Teacher of the Year and Excellence in Education Awards

Luis MartinezHead Custodian

Terrace Middle School, Lakeport Unified School District

“Luis always goes above and beyond... No job is too big or too small for Luis.”~ Nomination excerpt“Luis does everything with pride and always a smile and a ‘hello’ for all he encounters.”~ Nomination excerpt

“Luis stays involved with the students by coaching the soccer team. All the players respect him very much.”~ Nomination excerpt

Teri LangfordMiddle School/High School Attendance Clerk

Middletown Unified School District

“Teri continually advocates for, and expresses genuine concern for all our students.”

~ Nomination Form Excerpt

“Teri brings a smile and a great attitude to work every day.”~ Nomination Form Excerpt

“She never gets her feathers ruffled, and always goes the extra mile for students, parents and the people she works with.”

~ Nomination Form Excerpt

Bernardo Santana GarciaCustodian and Groundskeeper,Konocti Unified School District

Maryann MathewsSpecial Education Secretary/Aide/Activity Director

Upper Lake High School District

“Mary Ann is one of those rare individuals who always sees the good in people. She is an exceptional aide with the ability to be compassionate.”

~ Colleague

“Mary Ann is a wonderful role model, not only for students but for staff as well. She never says no to someone in need, and is always ready to lend a helping hand.”

~ Colleague

Wesley “Buddy” ThomasMaintenance Technician

Upper Lake High School District

“Mr. Thomas is a dedicated hard working employee.

He can fix anything and it is done to perfection.”~ Colleague

“Buddy is a member of a great team of maintenance workers at ULHS. If you need something done see Buddy.”

~ Colleague

Anna SabaloneUpper Lake High School

Academic Decathlon Coach

“Anna is a high energy educator who is committed to her students’ success. ~Colleague

Clear Lake High School2011 California Distinguished School

“Clear Lake High School is very deserving of this recognition. This is difficult to achieve, and is the result of a focus on student achievement.” ~Tim Gill, Senior Director of Educational Services, LCOE

John BerryMountain Vista Middle School

Lake County Middle School Principal of the YearAssociation of California School Administrators

Steve GentryClear Lake High School

Lake County High School Principal of the YearAssociation of California School Administrators

Erin Smith-HagbergLakeport Unified School District

Lake County Superintendent of the YearAssociation of California School Administrators

April LeifermanLake County Elementary School Principal of the

YearAssociation of California School Administrators

Greg MucksLake County Special Education Administrator of

the YearAssociation of California School Administrators

Elsie MackesyFirst Grade Teacher,

Coyote Valley Elementary

“Elsie has a passion for her profession and it shows. She puts great time and energy into assisting children to discover and learn.” ~Nomination Excerpt

“Elsie brings her love of the natural world to the school for her students and peers to learn about firsthand, via her love of gardening and nature.”

~ Colleague

Congratulations, Mrs. Mackesy!

“You are the best teacher, Mrs. Mackesy. We love you.” ~ 1st Grade Student

Karen BettencourtSecond Grade Teacher,Lakeport Elementary

“Karen will do whatever it takes to ensure the success of all her students. She truly takes an interest in each individual student.”~Cindy Brownell, Colleague

“Mrs. Bettencourt is sweet. I love the way she taught the class. She always made everything fun. I am just glad I got her for a teacher.~ Travis Howe, 4th Grade Student

“Special needs students are always welcome in Karen’s classroom with love and respect. Karen once told me she considers them jigsaw puzzles with no picture on the front to follow. She gently figures out these puzzles as the year progresses by researching their disabilities and tailoring curriculum to the child’s needs, once again, always with love and respect.”

~ Cathy Sylar, Colleague

Congratulations, Mrs. Bettencourt!

“Mrs. Bettencourt has always helped everyone. I am now a senior and it meant a lot to me that she kept a piece of my writing over the years. She recently returned it to me. She knows what students need. She continues to be a teacher to me. She offered to help me with one of my classes this year. She undoubtedly deserves to be Teacher of the Year. She is the best and I will always remember her.”

~ Brady Swanson, Former Student

Lisa RogersSeventh and Eighth Grade Teacher,

Lower Lake Elementary

“She is a good teacher, hands on. She doesn’t yell (well, not bad yells). She gets us ready before projects and does a lot of projects. She is my favorite teacher.”

~ Robert, Student

“Lisa embodies awesome teaching because she loves, loves, loves her students and helping them gain a thirst for knowledge. She knows science, the state requirements, and what kids need to know as well. When she is stumped, she takes the time to look it up.”

~ Lori, Colleague

Congratulations, Lisa!

“She talks to us like people, and she always makes sure we are safe. She gives good directions before a science experiment.”

~ Ashlyn, Student

Angel HayengaHigh School English Teacher,

Upper Lake High School

“She brings English to life for all of her students.” ~ Pat Iaccino

“Ms. Hayenga is energetic and interesting. She knows exactly how to get the students involved. ~ Student

Congratulations, Angel!

“Angel is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. She has a wonderful ability to connect with students and get them engaged with the learning process.”

~ Mr. Coatney, Colleague

Danielle VillanuevaFirst Grade Teacher,

Upper Lake Elementary School

“She’s one of the nicest teachers in this school. I know because I’ve had her my whole entire life.”

~ Previous student

“She’s fun to play Bunco with.”

~ Colleague

“Hard working, knowledgeable and dedicated. Lucky are the students who have Mrs. V. for a teacher. Lucky are those who have her as a friend.”

~ Colleague

“She’s a real teacher.” ~ Previous Student, current 2nd

grader

“She likes for us to listen to her teach.”

~ Previous Student, current 2nd grader

Congratulations, Danielle!

“Put Danielle in with a group of kids and they will be safe, happy and learning every single day.”

~ Nomination excerpt

Marilyn GrockKelseyville Elementary School

Lake County Teacher of the Year

“Without exaggeration, the services and intervention provided by Mrs. Grock and her staff at times changes the entire educational and life trajectory of her students.”

~ Nomination excerpt

“Parents... Have been impacted by Mrs. Grock in a way that goes beyond the typical parameters of education.” ~Nomination Excerpt

“I have worked with Marilyn for the past three years.  Our district has sent many students to her in order to receive their educational services.  Marilyn is ALWAYS excited to work with our kids.  I have no doubt that her excitement is genuine.  Her compassion for kids sets the bar for the rest of us.  Congratulations Marilyn...This is an honor well deserved!” ~ Tony Loumea, Upper Lake District SELPA Director

Former students of Mrs. Grock whose families sent pictures to send their love for her on this special occasion.

“She’s done so much for him I can’t even tell you. She looked at me one day and said, ‘I see the little boy inside him. I see the little boy in his eyes.’ He’s got so many problems, but she sees the spark of a little boy in him and that’s why he’s grown.”

~ Parent

“It’s just intense what Marilyn has done with this little girl. She has blossomed and it’s all because of Marilyn. She is always on it. She has changed her life forever.”

~ Parent“She’s just so on top of it and in tune with her kids. She just gets it.”

~ Parent

2011 Teacher of the Year and Excellence in Education Awards