CCSD Evening of Excellence: Starlight Awards
Starlight Awards Honoree Slideshow
Evening of Excellence Starlight Awards Program
Thank you to our Starlight Awards Title and Champion Sponsors:
CCSD SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
ISAAC PINEDA
Mr. Isaac Pineda, a beacon at Jerome D. Mack Middle School, champions student success through relationships and advocacy. He fosters a supportive community where achievements are celebrated, and challenges met with encouragement. As an advocate for English Language Learning (ELL) students, he draws from his own experiences, guiding them to strive for their best. Pineda instills a philosophy of pride in effort, encouraging students to embrace failures as opportunities for growth. His impact resonates as students internalize these values, blossoming into intentional individuals committed to excellence and resilience. Pineda’s unwavering dedication creates a nurturing environment where every student is empowered to thrive.
CCSD SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Erin O’Hara-Lee – Grade 10 English, Mojave HS
Lori Jorgensen – Grade 12 English, Coronado HS
Isaac Pineda -Grad 8 English, Jerome D. Mack MS
Erika Madrid – Grade 9-12 English and Focused Language, Global Community HS
CCSD ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Erin O’Donnell – Grade 1, Joseph Neal Steam Academy
Frances Smyth – Kindergarten, Wayne N. Tanaka ES
Tari Smethurst – Grade 4, Charlotte Hill ES
Johana Quintero – Kindergarten, Elaine Wynn ES
CCSD ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
JOHANA QUINTERO
As a kindergarten teacher at Elaine Wynn Elementary School, Ms. Quintero encourages students to care and love each other so they learn to be great citizens and care for their community. As a team lead at her school, she observes other teacher’s classrooms to offer classroom management techniques and curriculum implementation strategies. By having open communication with her students’ families and initiating these interactions from a team approach, her students are able to thrive. Students in her classroom learn about different celebrations around the world. They also learn about one another’s cultures. When sitting in the “king/queen chair”, students have the opportunity to educate fellow classmates about their cultures. These unique experiences foster an environment of diversity and cultural sensitivity.
CCSD SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
DWAYNE YOUNG
Mr. Dwayne Young, the custodian at Dr. C. Owen Roundy Elementary, embodies dedication and service beyond duty. He ensures campus cleanliness after events, tackling tasks from shed construction to office support with an unmatched work ethic. Known for his friendly demeanor, he greets everyone with a smile and sincere interest. Young’s commitment extends to student and staff well-being, from assisting with lost items to unloading supplies. With exemplary attendance, he works tirelessly to maintain the school’s appearance and readiness for students, often staying well beyond contract hours. Young’s unwavering support and positive presence make him an invaluable asset to the school community.
CCSD SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Dwayne Young – Custodian, Dr. C. Owen Roundy ES
Maribel Molina – Campus Security Monitor, Rancho HS
Esperanza Salas – Parent Center Liaison, Helen Herr ES
Timothy Rogers – Standards Specialist, Operational Services
Diane Vadovic – Instructional Assistant, Marshall C. Darnell ES
Thank you to our Evening of Excellence Advocate Sponsors:
CCSD LICENSED SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
SARAH GARCIA
Ms. Sarah Garcia, Social Worker at Valley High School, embodies positivity and support. In addition to her general duties, she conducts mental health professional development sessions and trauma-focused yoga classes for students. Collaborating with community organizations, she ensures vital resources for students and was honored by Project 150 for her advocacy. Ms. Garcia leads the Culture and Climate Leadership Committee, organizing a holiday party for 300+ students and families, addressing their needs beyond administrative capabilities. She prioritizes student graduation through “Operation Graduation” groups, boosting motivation and accountability. Garcia also organizes celebrations for students embodying the school’s values through Multi-Tier Systems of Support events, fostering a culture of giving and recognition.
CCSD LICENSED SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Barbara Flippin – Librarian, Steve Cozine ES
Sarah Garcia – Social Worker, Valley HS
Alicia Meier – Learning Strategist, Roy W. Martin MS
Nicole Easley – Counselor, Spring Mountain Youth Camp
CCSD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Missy Shipp – Shadow Ridge HS
Laura Turner – Vegas Verdes ES
Julie Causey – Whitney ES
Julie Russell – Laura Dearing ES
CCSD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
MISSY SHIPP
Ms. Missy Shipp is a dedicated educational leader in her tenth year at Shadow Ridge High School. As the Assistant Principal over Curriculum, she oversees the English department with precision and passion. Ms. Shipp’s commitment to excellence extends beyond administrative duties; she is known for her hands-on approach and tireless efforts to stay well-versed in all aspects of her supervision. Her expertise in instructional leadership is matched only by her genuine care for building relationships with all stakeholders. Ms. Shipp recognizes the importance of fostering a positive atmosphere on campus and spearheads various culture-building activities for teachers. Her dedication to maintaining a supportive environment ensures that Shadow Ridge High School remains a place where both educators and students thrive.
CCSD PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
MAURICE PERKINS
Mr. Maurice Perkins, Principal at Charles Arthur Hughes Middle School, cultivates a welcoming and inclusive environment, leading to significant student achievement growth, securing a four-star rating on the Nevada Report Card. His strategic efforts notably benefit English Language Learners and enhance student progress in mathematics and English Language Arts. Mr. Perkins builds strong relationships with teachers, collaborates with colleagues, and engages stakeholders to ensure student success and college readiness. He works with the Community Educational Advisory Board to secure resources, promoting equity. Perkins represents the school at city council meetings, supporting the district. Committed to professional development, he mentors new principals and enhances instructional leadership to fulfill the school’s mission.
CCSD PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Amy Dockter-Rozar – West Career and Technical Academy
Maurice Perkins – Charles Arthur Hughes MS
Stanica Stretenovic – Walter Bracken STEAM Academy
Cullen Skyles – Kermit R. Booker Sr. Innovative Elementary School
Thank you to our Evening of Excellence Contributor Sponsors:
CCSD CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
ROB HUTCHINSON
Mr. Rob Hutchinson, Director of Facilities, leads with servant leadership and performance-based objectives. He ensures a safe, comfortable learning environment, collaborating with departments to prioritize student achievement and align with unit goals. Hutchinson’s mentoring and exemplary leadership prioritize others’ interests, fostering operational and supportive educational environments. He partners with school administration, supporting events and initiatives, and his communication skills highlight his pivotal role in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere.
CCSD CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Rob Hutchinson – Director, Facilities Management
Cindy Flores – Director, Family Support Center
Gia Moore – Director, College, Career, Equity and School Choice Unit
Shannon La Neve – Director, Humanities
Thank you to our Evening of Excellence Supporter Sponsors:
