On May 20 at Mountain View High School we recognized 76 staff members from across the district who have distinguished themselves this school year with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community.

The honorees, nominated by their supervisors, were recognized at our annual Excellence in Education Awards. They include campus monitors, counselors, classroom teachers, educational assistants, office managers, bus drivers and others who have had a positive impact on students.

“This event is a meaningful celebration of the outstanding individuals who make Bend-La Pine Schools exceptional,” said Superintendent Steven Cook. “Our honorees are shining examples of dedication, talent, and heart, educators and support staff who bring passion and purpose to their work every single day.”

At the end of the program, the district named 14 finalists for the certified employee of the year and the support staff employee of the year. Those two honors will be announced at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Excellence in Education finalists for 2025 are:

Support Staff of the Year:

Brandi Daniel - Nutrition Services

Mayka Bruzzo - Pacific Crest Middle School

Sarai Saavedra - Bear Creek Elementary School

Justin Kohler - Transportation

Karima Bourque - Amity Creek Elementary School

Lindy Maniscalco - Pine Ridge Elementary School

Liz Vargas - Office of Policy and Advocacy

Certified Employee of the Year:

Ben Becker - Juniper Elementary School

Michele Oliver - Bend-La Pine Online

Tara Butler-Kruger - Cascade Middle School

Fred Kent - Bend Senior High School

Loren Renfroe - Sky View Middle School

Kat Tomsic - Realms High School

Connie Opsal - La Pine Elementary School

Excellence in Education honorees for 2025 are:

Amanda Bowers - Amity Creek Magnet School

Karima Bourque - Amity Creek Magnet School

Anne Mulligan-Brinson - Bear Creek Elementary

Sarai Saavedra - Bear Creek Elementary

Alisha Clawson - Buckingham Elementary

Charlotte Withington - Buckingham Elementary

Josh Hayden - Elk Meadow Elementary

Hannah Gelinas - Elk Meadow Elementary

Angela Cheeney - Ensworth Elementary

Carolina Zielinski - Ensworth Elementary

Matt Mueller - High Lakes Elementary

Amy Guthrie - High Lakes Elementary

Amber Martinson - Highland Magnet School

Jessica Bentley - Highland Magnet School

Ben Becker - Juniper Elementary

Amy Shaw - Juniper Elementary

Connie Opsal - La Pine Elementary

Terry Byrd - La Pine Elementary

Liz Johnson - Lava Ridge Elementary

Madison Mooney - Lava Ridge Elementary

Rebecca Larkin - North Star Elementary

Angela Garrott - North Star Elementary

Jill Gozdowski - Pine Ridge Elementary

Lindy Maniscalco - Pine Ridge Elementary

Ellie Stern - Ponderosa Elementary

Jenny Wasson - Ponderosa Elementary

Jill Johnson - R.E. Jewell Elementary

Cammie Huston - R.E. Jewell Elementary

McKensey Nicks - Rosland Elementary

Amanda Johnston - Rosland Elementary

Lauren Kittelson - Silver Rail Elementary

Michelle Ferk - Silver Rail Elementary

Jill Walker - Three Rivers K-8

Tina Palecki - Three Rivers K-8

Julie Verke - Westside Village Magnet School

Rob Edde - Westside Village Magnet School

Laura Rockwell - W.E. Miller Elementary

Susan Rife - W.E. Miller Elementary

Tara Butler-Kruger - Cascade Middle School

Kelsey Bolen - Cascade Middle School

Allison Gardner - High Desert Middle School

Andres Otanez - High Desert Middle School

Genna Benford - La Pine Middle School

Chrissy Dozier - La Pine Middle School

Shannon Cramer - Pacific Crest Middle School

Mayka Bruzzo - Pacific Crest Middle School

Patty Brun - Pilot Butte Middle School

Kristy Morris - Pilot Butte Middle School

Kat Tomsic - Realms Middle & High School

Frank Savage - Realms Middle & High School

Loren Renfroe - Sky View Middle School

Deedee Reeser - Sky View Middle School

Fred Kent - Bend Senior High School

Jenn Elliott - Bend Senior High School

Marsa Johnson - Bend Tech Academy

Dawn Miller - Bend Tech Academy

Ben Parsons - Caldera High School

Jennifer Sawyer - Caldera High School

Amber Downing - La Pine High School

Crystal Lohner - La Pine High School

Sam Kimerling - Mountain View High School

Nancy Byers - Mountain View High School

Eila Overcash - Summit High School

Amy Michalski - Summit High School

Brandi Daniel - Nutrition Services

Becky Taylor-Negus - Maintenance

Jason McGuire - Custodial Department

Ted Helton - Information Technology

Jacob Stieg - La Pine Transportation

Justin Kohler - Bend Transportation

Monica Ropp - Human Resources

Michelle Oliver - Bend-La Pine Online

Kate Pardo - Business Office

Michelle Spetic - Student Services

Liz Vargas - Office of Policy and Advocacy