STAR Awards

Congratulations to our 2025 District STAR Award Honorees!

It was a joy to recognize the Spectacular, Terrific, Amazing, and Remarkable employees from across our schools and departments who go above and beyond each day. We proudly honored this year’s Teachers of the Year from each school site, along with our Classified Employees of the Year representing a range of essential roles and service areas throughout the district. From among this outstanding group, two individuals were selected for special district-wide recognition:

• District Teacher of the Year: Tom Philips, Mayfair Middle/High School
• District Classified Employee of the Year: Selina Lopez Padilla, Albert Baxter Elementary

Teachers of the Year

• Gilbert Guevara, Adult Transition
• Ana Costa, Albert Baxter Elementary
• Sarah Schuessler, Bellflower Middle High School
• Kelly Sybesma, Craig Williams Elementary
• Georgina Semaan, Ernie Pyle Elementary
• Heather Greenwood, Foster Elementary
• Cindy Weeks, Frank E. Woodruff Elementary
• Laura Estrada, Intensive Learning Center
• Anneke Bartschi, Las Flores Home Education Independent Study Academy
• Helena Chong, Esther Lindstrom Elementary
• Kathryn Guernsey, Ramona Elementary
• Mark Johnson, Somerset High School
• Elizabeth Eagan, Somerset High School CCEA Teacher of the Year
• Amanda Waytas, Thomas Jefferson Elementary
• Lindsay Hunt, Washington Elementary

Classified Employees of the Year

• Stacey Abrego, Paraprofessional
• Gladys Awelewa, Clerical Services
• Dennis Coleman, Skilled Trades
• Gary Gatpandan, Transportation Services
• Woodie Grayson, Security Services
• Luis Lopez, Technical Services
• Martha Orme, Nutrition Services

If you'd like to relive some of the highlights — here are a few resources from the evening:

 Watch the STAR Awards Ceremony
 View the Event Program
 See the Honoree Slides