Meet San Joaquin County's counselor, teacher of the year honorees for the 2023-24 school year

San Joaquin County Office of Education is highlighting a school counselor, five teachers, and nine classified employees who go the extra mile.

Fourteen honorees, whom their colleagues nominated, were announced on April 11 at the San Joaquin County Classified Employees, School Counselor, and Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration Dinner.

From bus drivers to campus security assistants to paraprofessionals, the Office of Education said the employees were recognized "for their outstanding commitment and dedication to education and San Joaquin County students."

The School Counselor of the Year, each Classified Employee of the Year, and each Teacher of the Year finalist received $500 from the Self-Help Federal Credit Union. The 2024 Teacher of the Year received $1,000.

Here's a look at the honorees and their contributions to San Joaquin County students.

San Joaquin County School Counselor of the Year winner

Jordan Blevins, a high school counselor at Pacific Law Academy, Stockton Unified School District

Here's what Maryann Santella, Stockton Unified's director of student services, wrote in her nomination letter about Blevins:

"Jordan is a high school counselor at Pacific Law Academy in Stockton. Previously she was a Kindergarten through fourth-grade school counselor for three years, and then a fifth- through eighth-grade counselor for two years, all at Hazelton Elementary in Stockton. Jordan led her school counseling team at Hazelton to develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model 4th Edition and would go on to receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program School of Distinction designation in 2021. During her time at Hazelton, she also received the Stockton Unified School District Counselor of the Year award in 2022. She is extremely passionate about serving her students as a school counselor through data-driven comprehensive school counseling programs."

San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year winner

Maria Ravelo, a seventh-grade teacher at Mossdale Elementary School, Manteca Unified School District

Here's what Principal Anthony Chapman wrote in his nomination letter:

"She has served in countless leadership and mentorship roles for both students and staff, using her quiet, yet powerful demeanor to inspire those around her. She remains at the cutting edge of her craft, willing each year to adjust, change, refine or implement something new for the betterment of her students. Students in her class feel safe, respected, and supported. Her unassuming personality would lead one to believe that this wasn't possible, but after spending any time seeing her in action — one realizes that she is quite simply an exceptional educator, and an even better person. Mrs. Ravelo does not possess an ego, she is not driven by titles, recognitions or awards. Simply stated, she cares about kids, and dedicates everything she has to help them succeed."

San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year finalists

Heather Haley-Baden, a fifth-grade teacher at Waterloo Middle School, Linden Unified School District

Here's what Principal Shannon Roberson wrote in her nomination letter:

"Heather has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to fostering a love for science in her students, showcasing a genuine passion for education that sets her apart as an exemplary educator. Mrs. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus seems to have been one of Mrs. Haley-Baden's mentors because she lives by her words, 'Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!' Heather's ability to ignite students' passion for science is truly commendable. Be it making solar ovens, hot air balloons, dissecting owl pellets, making water filtration systems, forming crystals, and taking her students to science camp for a week. Her innovative and engaging teaching methods captivate the minds of her students, making the subject come alive in the classroom."

Joann Tavaziva, a ninth-twelfth grade teacher at Venture Academy Family of Schools, San Joaquin County Office of Education

Here's what Director Silvia De Alba wrote in her nomination letter:

"Joann Tavaziva consistently exemplifies all the qualities of a great teacher. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator who strives, and succeeds, at creating an engaging learning environment where all her students can achieve success. I am confident that if you asked any of her students, they will provide different examples of all the ways Ms. Tavaziva goes the extra mile to ensure her students are challenged and supported in and out of the classroom. She designs creative and competent lessons to engage her students and help them understand challenging concepts. Joann also makes a point to get to know her students and understand their specific academic and developmental needs and learning styles."

Julie Carniglia, a seventh-grade and eighth-grade teacher at Lodi Middle School, Lodi Unified School District

Here's what Principal Cassandra Iwamiya wrote in her nomination letter:

"As the parent of a special needs child, I understand the vital role a special education teacher plays in the academic life of a student. Special education students require an extraordinary teacher, and Mrs. Julie Carniglia is that teacher. Her teaching practices surpass all standards as she consistently demonstrates the highest excellence in education. Mrs. Carniglia has exhibited an unwavering commitment to special education for 31 years. Her classroom practices exude creativity, passion, and devotion that engages all students. For instance, when teaching job skills to her SDC students, Mrs. Carniglia opened a coffee bar in her classroom with two espresso machines. Students were immersed in working in an on-campus coffee shop by taking orders, making orders, and delivering orders to teachers. This activity also allowed Mrs. Carniglia's students to interact with staff members they would not normally meet."

San Juana Rosales, a sixth-grade teacher at Monte Vista Middle School, Tracy Unified School District

Here's what Assistant Principal Heather Reyburn wrote in her nomination letter:

"Ms. Rosales goes above and beyond her required duties as a teacher. She works countless hours to ensure she develops differentiated interventions to support her individual students' needs. There have been many times that administration had to tell Ms. Rosales to go home because she is just so very dedicated to making sure her students are successful and that families are regularly informed on their progress. Ms. Rosales is a collaborative team member on our staff and a proactive member of her professional learning community. She truly cares about her colleagues and goes out of her way to show this through her thoughtful actions like attending a board meeting to support a site paraeducator who received an award."

San Joaquin County Classified Employee of the Year winners

Favian Moreno, hardware support technician at San Joaquin County Office of Education

Here's what Chief Human Resources Officer Christina F. Torres-Peters wrote in her nomination letter:

"Favian has an extensive history of volunteering to support our programs and schools, including County Operated Schools and Programs, Sky Mountain, Academic Decathlon, and AgVenture. He has volunteered during the last decade for numerous COSP Quests, including the Concept of One, Honor Quest, and Fun Run where he assisted with setup, food preparation, cooking, and cleanup. Favian also encouraged the students to persevere during arduous hikes and helped repair the students' bicycles. He also volunteered at the San Joaquin AgVenture assisting students through various stations and timekeeping."

Jason Cheeseman, utility person at North Elementary School, Tracy Unified School District

Here's what Principal Susan Hawkins wrote in her nomination letter:

"Jason Cheeseman’s work performance is exceptional. He is always positive, motivated, and available to help everyone with anything they need. When he is asked to perform a task, he does so with enthusiasm and a smile. Every day, he comes to work early to prepare the campus for our North School community. This includes ensuring items are stocked, unlocking doors, hanging flags, and ensuring the campus is clean and safe. Later in the morning, at gates he greets students by name and welcomes families. He ensures the cafeteria is ready and secured for free breakfast, and has flags and a mic ready for student volunteers who lead the flag salute."

Jeffrey Irving, food service assistant at Franklin High School, Stockton Unified School District

Here's what Operations Supervisor Donna Taves wrote in her nomination letter:

"Mr. Jeffrey Irving has worked for Stockton Unified School District for 30 years. He is a Food Service Assistant I whom has been at Franklin High School for 30 years. Mr. Irving is consistent in attending work with minimal absences and often works through holiday and summer weeks to continue to feed our students. Jeffrey has remained consistent in following through with his food and sanitation of our kitchens to ensure that food and prep areas are safe for our students. He is a contributing factor to our preparation and in the service of students. Mr. Irving is able to operate with very little direction, is always ready to learn something new, and most importantly, he is able to communicate with our high school students."

Lorena Casillas, campus security assistant at McKinley Elementary School, Stockton Unified School District

Here's what Principal Brandy De Alba wrote in her nomination letter:

"Ms. Casillas always performs at an exemplary level. She accompanies students to class, making sure they are in classes or designated locations. When a new student enrolls, she takes the family on a tour of the school and provides this tour in English and Spanish. At morning arrival, she is the first to greet students in our early morning program. She consistently patrols our school ground making sure no non-student body gains access to the campus. We can always count on Ms. Casillas to support our school community. Before her working hours, she helps to set up our bi-monthly community food distribution area by moving tables, pallets, food crates, parking cones, and signage. This sets the stage for our parent volunteers to serve 500 families in our community."

Michael Lehr, construction and energy technician at Manteca Unified School District

Here's what Supervisor of Construction Justin Geer wrote in his nomination letter:

"As his supervisor, I have spoken with principals that have worked directly with Mr. Lehr during the modernization of their campuses. They have always spoken highly of his attentiveness and care for their students, staff, and the learning environment. They appreciate his advocacy for their ideas and concerns. When discussing upcoming projects at their campuses, they are very clear to communicate their desire to work with no other project managers than Michael."

Miriam Soto, library media clerk at Weston Elementary School, Ripon Unified School District

Here's what Principal Lisa Fereria wrote in her nomination letter:

"Miriam Soto is a dedicated Weston employee of 13 years. As Library Media Clerk, she has been the face of our library for eight years, after previously serving as a Bilingual Aide. Miriam builds special bonds with all of our students which makes our library a very welcoming place on campus. Recess in the library is a busy place with students eager to check out books, play board games, or socialize. The library is a special place on campus for those students that may struggle with social skills. Our students feel safe in the library, learning to play games or expand their reading skills. When classes have their weekly visits to the library, Miriam reads aloud to them. She is very engaging and animated when reading to classes. Students enjoy hearing the various voices that she comes up with as the book characters come alive through her."

Renee Villareal, student services technician at San Joaquin County Office of Education

Here's what Assistant Superintendent Melaine Greene wrote in her nomination letter:

"She is naturally curious, optimistic, and brave in the face of adversity, all things that lend themselves to being a natural leader. She sets a high standard by leading by example, offering continuous and consistent support to her peers and others. She initiates support for staff in a variety of procedures that the program requires. Whether it is giving feedback and constructive suggestions for improving enrollment procedures or creating documents for the enrollment team to manage and maintain during the review process. Renee is a problem solver and takes those first steps with a smile and an optimism that baffles us."

Sherry Hurd, special day class paraprofessional at Jefferson School, Jefferson Elementary School District

Here's what Teacher Lori Scott wrote in her nomination letter:

"Sherry is an exemplary special education paraprofessional. She has worked as a 5.5-hour aide in a mild-to-moderate special day class in the Jefferson School District since the 2008-2009 school year. She rarely misses work and often volunteers her time by working on classroom projects at home. Calling her a 5.5-hour para is almost a joke as she has put in so much extra time over the last 16 years. Since joining the special education department, Sherry has shown herself to be a hard-working, highly organized, and extremely reliable person. You can always depend on her."

Tricia Johnston, bus driver at Linden Unified School District

Here's what Principal Sharon Roberson wrote in her nomination letter:

"Every morning and every afternoon, 200-plus students are assured that the wheels on their bus will go round and round all through our community because Ms. Trish makes sure they get where they need to go safely. She welcomes and accepts them with a smile, a word of encouragement, and an 'I'm glad to see you' every day. She keeps the wheels on the bus going round and round all through the Linden community and beyond. Ms. Trish has taken her students to explore Yosemite, Science Camp, and numerous other student activities. Without her willingness to work outside her regular schedule, students would not have these opportunities."

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Meet San Joaquin County's counselor, teacher of the year honorees for 2023-24