KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 2016 Educators of the Year and Excellence in Education Awards dinner honored six outstanding teachers and four classified employees from around Lake County for excellence in their professions and dedication to their students.
The awards dinner took place at the Riviera Hills Restaurant in Kelseyville on Friday, Nov. 4.
Kimberly Harris was selected from those six teachers to be honored as the Lake County Teacher of the Year.
Harris is a special education teacher working with severely handicapped children in the fourth through eighth grades at Lower Lake Elementary School.
“She is amazing, dedicated and hardworking,” said Tarin Benson, principal of Lower Lake Elementary. “Mrs. Harris has been faced with challenging situations and she is able to deescalate a situation and make it a safe environment for all.”
The district Teachers of the Year recognized during the evening were Rico Abordo from Kelseyville Unified School District, Nicole Goodwin from Lakeport Unified School District, Karen Jones from Middletown Unified School District, Diana Johnson from Upper Lake Elementary School and Gary Madison from Upper Lake High School.
Classified employees receiving recognition for their outstanding support in the schools were Eva Santana from Konocti Unified, David Ferrell from Lakeport Unified, Salvador Pimentel from Middletown Unified and Linda Morton from Upper Lake Unified.
Two special recognition awards were awarded to Jessica Taliaferro and Russell Cremer.
Taliaferro was awarded the Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Board Administrators and Cremer was awarded the Champion of Education Award by the Lake County Office of Education.
In its 22nd year, the Excellence in Education Awards is sponsored by the Lake County Office of Education to formally recognize the professional and compassionate teachers and classified employees in the school districts.
These selfless individuals dedicate their time and careers to the educational growth of their students, student families and the communities in which they serve.
The Lake County Office of Education recognizes and supports the critical role the schools play in the education of youth and the development of strong communities through education. More information about the office of education can be found on its website at www.lakecoe.org .
Christine Hutt is communications coordinator for the Lake County Office of Education.