Press Release:

During the all-staff Welcome Back celebration today, Bend-La Pine Schools staff members honored the finalists for Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Member of the Year for their excellence and service to our schools and students.

“From the custodians who serve as mentors to our students to the teachers who innovate new programs for students who need extra support, these staff members are truly an inspiration,” said Superintendent Shay Mikalson. “I am proud to work alongside these dedicated individuals and am thrilled to honor them and the work they do.”

Teacher of the Year Finalists:

• Melinda Brown, English Language Learner Instructor at Elk Meadow Elementary School
• Kelly Cloud, Title 1 Teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School
• Joe Green, Fifth Grade Teacher at Ensworth Elementary School
• Dan Judd, Band Director at Summit High School
• Stephanie Morrison, Science Teacher at High Desert Middle School
• Tom Scott, Fifth Grade Teacher at High Lakes Elementary School
• Kari Sue, Music Teacher at Ponderosa Elementary School

Support Staff Person of the Year Finalists:

• Glen Carey, Custodial Foreman at William E. Miller Elementary School
• Carol Evans, Office Manager at Bear Creek Elementary School
• Raquel Hernandez, FAN Advocate at Pilot Butte Middle School
• Joi Leahy, School to Career Coordinator at Mountain View High School
• Andrew Sawyer, Custodial Foreman at Marshall High School
• Nancy Stuart, Office Manager at High Lakes Elementary School
• Vince Valenti, IT Engineer for Bend-La Pine Schools

Summit High School band director Dan Judd was named Bend-La Pine Schools’ Teacher of the Year; Pilot Butte Middle School’s Family Access Network Advocate Raquel Hernandez was named Outstanding Support Person of the Year; and Pine Ridge Elementary School Principal Kevin Gehrig was named Distinguished Administrator of the Year.

Learn more about our finalists in this short video: