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Three District 60 employees recognized as 2020 Classified Staff of the Year
Three outstanding Pueblo School District 60 classified employees - Heritage Elementary Nutrition Services Leader Shay Robinson, D60 Teaching and Learning Administrative Assistant Kathy Vail, and Centennial High School Principal's Secretary Pam Hough - were named the recipients of the Pueblo School District 60 Classified Staff of the Year Awards, announced Tuesday at the D60 Board of Education meeting.
Thirteen classified staff employees were nominated by D60 staff members, parents and/or administrators for going "above and beyond" in their service to D60 and their schools. In addition to Robinson, Vail and Hough, the nominees included Dianne Carrillo (D60 Athletics), Valerie Gallegos (PAA), Cleone Harder (Corwin), Heather Huffman (Central), Scott Marshall (D60 Custodial), Rochelle Medina (Corwin), Lydia Portillos (Franklin), Chris Romero (D60 Maintenance), Tony Saiz (Carlile), and Amanda Vigil (PAA).
The District 60 Classified Employee of the Year Awards is currently in its second year. The Classified Employee Award recipients will be recognized alongside the three previously-selected Pueblo County Chapter Colorado Teacher Award recipients at a ceremony to be announced at a later date.
Shay Robinson, Nutrition Services Leader, Heritage Elementary
Nominated by Krista Lauricella and Catherine Sajbel
From her nomination letter:
"Shay goes above and beyond for our students. She ensures that every day that meals are prepared and served to our students. She knows our students by name and all of their needs. When we have special events, she is always there to participate."
"She runs a tight ship. Her kitchen is immaculate. She greets everyone in the morning with a smile. She genuinely cares. When we need help, Shay is always there to lend a hand."
"She knows which students have food allergies, and reminds them what they can have. She demands respect, and in turn, gives each student respect as well. The students use their manners, saying "please and thank you". She demonstrates integrity every day. She inspires me to be a better person."
Kathy Vail, Administrative Assistant, D60 Administration/Teaching & Learning
Nominated by Morganlee Kempf and Jacque Phillips
From her nomination letter:
"The first thing you notice about Kathy is her calm and pleasant demeanor. She is a dynamic individual ready to tackle new challenges. She carries it out to the highest degree and without doubt no matter what is asked of her. Her energy in attacking a task is almost unparalleled. Kathy is meticulous in her work and handles all responsibilities with efficiency and professionalism. Her attention to detail is evident in the work she does. If you need help, Kathy is there to help without a doubt!"
"Kathy's commitment to the district is unwavering and her work shows her inspiration for the students. Kathy assisted with the organization and planning of several district celebrations, such as the District Spelling Bee and the District STEM Science Fair, that serves students, parents and community members. Because of her support with planning, preparation, and fine detail, these events were a huge success!"
"The secretary is the face of every building or organization; a face that can make a relationship or break it. Kathy is a person who will certainly make that first impression fun and long lasting."
Pam Hough, Principal's Secretary, Centennial High School
Nominated by Dave Craddock and Nic Roberts
From her nomination letter:
"If you asked any employee here, they would say that Pam is the epicenter of our school."
"Pam is a champion for students. She works tirelessly on her own time to create and promote achievements by our students. She assumes the responsibility for running our website because it is one of many vehicles to promote students. On her own time, she bridges that gap between a foundation board that operates mainly on nightly meetings, to ensure that information regarding students and staff are immediately promoted the next day at school. She continues to use her personal time to digitally design and produce products that advertise our students, staff and initiatives, which saves the school thousands in design costs. Pam makes everyone at Centennial and our community feel special and appreciated."
"She understands that at the high school level, important activities extend beyond the time clock and she truly models how to be a volunteer for the good of our school and kids."