CCSD Evening of Excellence: Starlight Awards
Evening of Excellence Starlight Awards Program
Thank you to our Starlight Awards Title and Champion Sponsors:
CCSD SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
GARRETT GROSS
Mr. Garrett Gross, an Intermediate Autism Teacher at Irwin and Susan Molasky Junior High School uses hands-on activities, real-world scenarios, and interactive technology to spark curiosity and creativity, helping students connect meaningfully with their interests and strengths. Mr. Gross developed and implemented the Magic Brew Coffee Cart giving students an engaging way to foster life skills, teamwork, and independence. Mr. Gross actively contributes to school-wide initiatives by collaborating with staff and fostering conversations that promote inclusivity and a deeper understanding of students with autism. For colleagues, Mr. Gross is a consistent source of encouragement, sharing ideas and strategies that promote collaboration and improve student outcomes.
CCSD SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Garrett Gross – Intermediate Autism, Molasky JHS
Laura Chir – Specific Learning Disability, Cannon JHS
Regan Peterson -Grade 10 English, Foothill HS
Faizal Jacang – Physical Science, South Academic Center
CCSD ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Tim Wiegand – Music Specialist, Kitty Ward ES
Jessica Dorothy – Kindergarten, Thiriot ES
Monisha McPheeters – Grade 3, Twitchell ES
Arsenio T. Manalo – Intermediate Autism, Lynch ES
CCSD ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
MONISHA MCPHEETERS
Ms. Monisha McPheeters, a third-grade teacher at Neil C. Twitchell Elementary School, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to her student’s academic and emotional growth. She is a compassionate educator who goes above and beyond to create a warm and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understood. One of Ms. McPheeters’ standout qualities is her boundless creativity in integrating the love of reading and art into her lessons. She constantly finds innovative ways to engage her students through storytelling, interactive reading sessions, and art projects to bring their learning to life. Ms. McPheeters has established strong, supportive relationships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication, and working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for each child. Her sociable and approachable nature has also made her a beloved colleague, always ready to offer support, encouragement, and guidance to others.
CCSD SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
JEROME WEBER
Mr. Jerome Weber, Student Success Advocate at Rancho High School, provides personalized mentoring to help students address academic and personal challenges. As a coach, he offers additional support outside of regular school hours, fostering strong relationships with students and their families. Mr. Weber has developed an excellent relationship with the Las Vegas Raiders, which directly benefited students by giving them the opportunity to reenact historic Raiders plays during halftime in front of a live crowd. He challenges students to take ownership of their behavior, encourages perseverance, resilience, and provides the support they need to succeed. Throughout the day he meets with students not just in his office but also at lunch, or during passing periods spending a few minutes with students and talking with them. Mr. Weber’s quick laugh and fist bumps help build rapport with students, making them feel valued and engaged.
CCSD SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Jerome Weber – Student Success Advocate, Rancho HS
Lisa Bryant – Special Programs Teacher Assistant, John F. Miller School
Theresa Ortega – Transportation Instructor, Transportation Department
CaryMichael Holman – Site Based Technician, Darnell ES
Anna Salgado – Site Based Technician, Valley High School
Thank you to our Evening of Excellence Advocate Sponsors:
CCSD LICENSED SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Rebecca Hickey– School Psychologist, Crisis Response Team
Joelle Azar – ELA Learning Strategist, Lied STEM Academy
Laura Denue – Magnet Theme Coordinator, Desert Pines HS
Donna Tumpney – Learning Strategist, Helen J. Stewart School
CCSD LICENSED SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
JOELLE AZAR
Ms. Joelle Azar, English Language Arts Learning Strategist at Lied STEM Academy, implements tiered assignments, flexible grouping, and learning stations to meet students at their level. She provides hands-on training and collaborates with teachers to create tech-enhanced lessons for in-person and remote learning. Ms. Azar guides teachers in developing interdisciplinary projects like a community garden to explore biology and a business plan to understand entrepreneurship. She promotes artistic expression through lessons that involve writing plays, composing songs, or creating visual art tied to academic concepts. Ms. Azar fosters a positive school culture by leading staff recognition events and introducing peer observations to support collaboration and growth. Her leadership encourages teachers to be reflective practitioners who prioritize student success in every decision.
CCSD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
TIM WELLS
Mr. Timothy Wells, Assistant Principal at Mojave High School, is a committed leader focused on academic excellence, collaboration, and school spirit. He leads agendas for administrative, professional development, and School Organizational Team meetings, ensuring diverse input by working closely with staff and leadership. Mr. Wells manages the instructional coaching model, helping implement any new curriculum. He secured a City of North Las Vegas grant to launch the 5-Star program, boosting staff morale with daily puzzles and rewards. Known for his school pride, he actively participates in spirit days and supports student-led events, fostering a strong, positive school culture.
CCSD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Tim Wells – Mojave High School
Daniel Liles – Palo Verde High School
Teri Lintz – Rancho High School
Ouiza Weber – Global High School
Thank you to our Evening of Excellence Contributor Sponsors:
CCSD PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
PAMELA LINDEMUTH
Ms. Pamela Lindemuth, Principal of June and Barry Gunderson Middle School, leads significant improvements in teaching and student support. By working closely with teachers through observations, feedback, and planning, she enhances instruction and creates systems to address students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. Under her leadership, Gunderson Middle School achieved a five-star rating on the Nevada School Performance Framework and ties for first among all CCSD middle schools. Gunderson Middle School’s success is the result of a dedicated team effort with Ms. Lindemuth’s leadership playing a key role in fostering a collaborative environment. Through ongoing support and active involvement from all staff, students, and the community, the school continues to thrive and achieve its goals
CCSD PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Heather Skramstad – Smalley ES
Pam Lindemuth – Gunderson MS
Lakeisha Myers – Clyde C. Cox ES
Anthony Nunez – Cheyenne HS
CCSD CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
CJ Miller – Title I Services
Stephen Molina – Construction Management
Kristin Grimm – Education Services Division
Ivy Burns – Support Services Division
CCSD CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
KRISTIN GRIMM
Ms. Kirstin Grimm, Director of the Education Services Division, is a dedicated leader in student activities, promoting leadership, student voice, and inclusive school culture. She coordinates key events such as the Sun Youth Forum, Vegas PBS Spelling Bee, Kiwanis Key Club initiatives, and high school graduations. Ms. Grimm serves as secretary for the Area H Council of CADA and sits on the National Association for Student Activities (NASA) strategic planning committee. She is also an active participant and speaker at the NASC Conference, offering guidance and resources to students and advisors. Through her leadership, Ms. Grimm creates impactful, inclusive experiences that empower students and strengthen school communities throughout Nevada.
Thank you to our Evening of Excellence Supporter Sponsors:
CCSD NEW EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR
Brogen Ripley – Arbor View HS
Daliah Kosmicki – Sierra Vista HS
Ana Stuff – Katz ES