News Release and information regarding the Classified School Employees of the Year Awardees for 2022.
Additional information can be found on the May 5, 2022, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2022 California Classified School Employees of the Year News Release #22-26.
Trudi Walsh
Clerical and Administrative Services
School Secretary, 8 years of service
Stanwood A. Murphy Elementary School, Scotia
Scotia Union Elementary School District, Humboldt County
Trudi Walsh has worked as the school secretary for the past 8 years, but brings over 30 years of experience working for the school in other roles. She’s made an impact on the Stanwood A. Murphy community, improving it in several areas. Trudi wore several hats during her tenure, taking on the role of cheer coach, study trip chaperone, tutor, and trusted confidant by her students. Trudi works with the school’s regional counseling program to help provide services to students and their families. Trudi’s been known to make visits to student’s homes to hand deliver meals or care packages. She is also the coordinator of the school’s “Sunshine Fund,” which provides support to staff members and their families in time of need, as well as to students and their families.
Robert Estrada
Custodial and Maintenance Services
Head Custodian, 7 years of service
Rio Vista Elementary School, El Monte
El Monte City School District, Los Angeles County
Known throughout the Rio Vista community as “Old Reliable,” Robert Estrada has made a lasting impact on the school that he serves. During the 2021–22 COVID-19 winter surge, Robert made himself available when staff shortages were rampant. He often pulled double duty and weekend shifts at other school sites to make sure his colleagues’ work did not stagnate due to illness. Robert uses Rio Vista’s “Lead, Learn, and Serve” initiative when teaching students how to properly clean equipment. Student custodial work is now a popular activity on campus, with kids actively volunteering to be part of Robert’s lunch preparation and cleanup duties, leaving the school to search for a new form of community service.
Gayla Hager
National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Nominee
Food and Nutrition Services
Food Service Lead, 15 years of service
Hanson Elementary School, Ramona
Ramona City Unified School District, San Diego County
Gayla Hager stands out as an exemplary school food service professional, in both her kid-friendly approach to customer service and her stellar work performance, even during difficult circumstances. Gayla has perfected the balance between regulatory compliance and happy, well-fed students. Gayla learns student’s individual likes and dislikes so she can confidently represent them at districtwide menu planning meetings. On several occasions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Gayla had to single-handedly prepare, serve, clean up after, and document 450 meals in one school day. Gayla reinforces polite manners and kindness in her cafeteria, in an effort to spread positivity throughout the campus.
Sheri Saladow
Health and Student Services
Guidance Technician, 18 years or service
Aliso Viejo Middle School, Aliso Viejo
Capistrano Unified School District, Orange County
The Aliso Viejo Middle School community has certainly been impacted by Sheri Saladow's service as the school’s academic advisor. Sheri has always been an advocate for English language learners and students with disabilities. In addition to her role as academic advisor, Sheri is also involved in leadership at the district level. Sheri believes deeply in each student’s potential and epitomizes the role of academic advisor in supporting each student to meet their potential. She is committed to providing a safe equitable learning environment for all students.
Renee Thompson
Paraprofessional Services
Classroom Instructional Aide, 13 years of service
Lassen View Elementary School, Redding
Enterprise Elementary School District, Shasta County
Renee Thompson helps to support students in every way she can, working with struggling readers by leading intervention groups and encouraging students who haven't always found success in school. She’s led multigrade and English language learner interventions, provided before school care and tutoring after school. Working as a kindergarten aide, she’s always contributing to assignments that benefit the Enterprise Elementary community.
Erik Estrada
Security Services
Campus Supervisor, 15 years of service
Valley Vista High (Continuation) School, Fountain Valley
Huntington Beach Union High School District, Orange County
As campus supervisor for Valley Vista High, Erik Estrada has a long-standing relationship with the local police department within the community. This positive relationship allows both organizations to better serve and support the students throughout the district, whether on or off campus. Erik encourages students to stay out of trouble and supports them in making better choices and life decisions. Erik is able to walk that fine line between protecting the campus and ensuring a warm and welcoming school environment.
Timothy Romine
Skilled Trades Services
Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic, 9 years of service
Orcutt Union Elementary School District, Santa Barbara County
Working as a jack-of-all-trades, Tim Romine is the only mechanic in the district. He maintains all of the school buses, work vehicles, and other transportation equipment. Tim’s work performance is exceptional, and he raises the level of work of those around him. Tim keeps all vehicles in the district’s fleet operating at the highest level possible—he takes a lot of pride in what he does and it shows in his work. Tim constantly coaches and trains other employees who are using district vehicles or equipment.
Armando Gomez
Technical Services
Database Specialist, 6 years of service
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Orange County
Armando Gomez has created innovative ways for students to continue to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring they have the resources and Information Technology services to excel in their distance learning programs. Armando was and continues to be critical in the development, evolution, and implementation of the district’s virtual and hybrid learning models necessary during these two pandemic years. Armando also creates tutorial documentation for students and families on the use of the Student Information System.
Shannon Lauricella
National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Nominee
Transportation Services
School Bus Driver, 9 years of service
Garden Grove Unified School District, Orange County
Shannon Lauricella is known by other bus drivers as “our work mom.” Shannon continues to devote her time and talents to those less experienced drivers who want to talk or ask questions. During her “campus time,” Shannon assists teachers in a kindergarten classroom at Lawrence Elementary School, where she helps to guide students in various assignment and projects. Shannon is also a member of the district’s “Bus Roadeo” Team and mentors other drivers to prepare for a statewide competition that showcases and puts to the test the extensive skills of school bus drivers.