At the end of each school year, inKudos is a way to recognize and celebrate Valley Center Pauma Unified School District staff at each site. Then, at the beginning of each new school year, the district wide winners in each category are announced and celebrated.
On Monday, Aug. 21, Superintendent Ron McCowan handed out all six awards — Extra Mile, Kindness, Service, & Support, Silent Hero, Instructional Dynamo, The “It” Factor, and Servant Leader - MVP — at the annual Welcome Back event for VCPUSD staff.
First, Armando Reyes Zarate (pictured with Superintendent Ron McCowan and VCPUSD Board President Julie Stroh) from Valley Center Elementary School was named the Silent Hero.
"This person consistently demonstrates professionalism, optimism, creativity, respect, and a very strong work ethic," it was said about Zarate. "This individual takes time, every day, to connect with and encourage our students in ways that are appropriate and meaningful to them.”
The Instructional Dynamo went to Susan Henderson of Valley Center Elementary School.
"This teacher has creative ways of using technology in ways such as Class Kick," it was said about Henderson. "They adjust the curriculum to incorporate creative group work for their students. It's no wonder staff and students love this teacher so much.”
The Extra Mile award went to Makenzie Dotinga from Lilac School.
"Although this is only this teacher’s second year teaching, they seem already a master educator," it was said about Dotinga. "This educator is eager to learn, then try many different strategies/techniques to ensure that students achieve success."
Three people won the Kindness, Service, & Support award — with Kim Rocha, Jill Keene, & Mercedes Nicolas from Primary School taking home the award.
“We have never had a better team," it was said about the trio. "They are great at their jobs, always on time, kind, courteous, and gracious. They are smiling every day we come up and the students adore them. They are really just an amazing team, and they definitely deserve to be honored.”
Elizabeth "Libby" Nolan of Paula School was given The IT Factor Award.
"Our winner is a rockstar teacher who works super hard for their littles,always finding creative ways to help them learn, and wears a smile while doing it," it was said about Nolan. "I look up to them as a fellow teacher.”
Now retired and unable to attend the event, Rob Gilster of Valley Center High School was awarded the MVP Pro award.
“For 25 years Rob Gilster has put VCHS first in all that he does, whether it be in teaching his PE classes, coaching football, track, basketball, etc, or in his ASB classes," it was said about Gilster. "His dedication to make VCHS a better place for our students and community is second to none. He has made a positive difference in the lives of countless students and he has been an inspiration to the colleagues he has worked with.”
Gilster sent a message of thanks to his former coworkers and wished them a great school year.