The Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD) has selected Mount Vernon High School Multilingual Migrant-Bilingual Liaison Veronica Gonzalez as 2022 Regional Classified Employee of the Year (CEOY).
Gonzalez has worked for the Mount Vernon School District for the past 27 years. In her nomination letter peers noted that Gonzalez works tirelessly to help Hispanic families and students achieve their goals and succeed in their studies. She manages a caseload of over 300 migrant students, all between 9th-12th grade, and in many different capacities. Gonzalez works to ensure that everyone (the school, student, family) comes together as a team to connect and support students in a variety of ways. Gonzalez is a respected community leader and volunteers her time and efforts to many school programs including Migrant Leadership Conferences, Back to School Fairs, and the Washington Migrant Council.
Dr. Ismael Vivanco, Superintendent of Mount Vernon School District said, “We are so very proud to have Veronica Gonzalez represent our district as the Regional Classified Employee of the Year. This is a testament to her commitment and tireless contributions to improving the quality of life of our marginalized students and families in our community. She is always willing to do whatever it takes to help out those most in need. She truly has a servant’s heart.”
“Veronica does not allow students to give less than 100% to their coursework, credits, attendance, and efforts toward graduation. She has a never-ending involvement in our community,” says Heath Tayon, Assistant Principal Mount Vernon High School.
The Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes excellence in the work of public-school employees, including paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, food service workers, and others. Anyone may nominate a classified public school employee for this award, which is overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). All completed nominations are sent to the regional coordinator at each Educational Service District (ESD); the regional winner is selected by committee. Gonzalez is one of nine regional winners who will go on to compete for the State Classified School Employee of the Year award.
After advancing on to the statewide competition, regional finalists will be recognized by OSPI at an annual award ceremony in Olympia (date TBD), where OSPI will announce their selection of the State Classified School Employee of the Year. For more information on these awards, contact OSPI Recognition Coordinator, Hilary Seidel, at 360-725-6117.
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