Every year, the Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Association of California School Administrators take time to recognize all the school employees who show up every day to help improve the lives of children in the community with their efforts.

School districts throughout the county select their own honorees for the “Employees Making a Difference” program, like Denair Unified School District special education para-educator Leanna Ortegaray.

Ortegaray was nominated by Denair High principal Breanne Aguiar.

“Leanna supports both high school and adult transition students, approaching every day with enthusiasm and genuine care for her students,” said Aguiar. “She demonstrates a deep commitment to their academic, social, and emotional growth. She is highly knowledgeable about instructional strategies that promote independence and real-world readiness.”

Ortegaray’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, however. She often volunteers her time to support extracurricular programs and transition-focused events that prepare students for life after graduation.

Of those recognized at the county event on Wednesday, nine honorees (one from each of the nine work categories) were selected to represent Stanislaus County in the California Department of Education’s statewide recognition program.

Two of those selected include Hughson Unified cafeteria lead Jillian Bowerman and Chatom Union computer technician/paraprofessional Daniel Jimenez Soto.

Bowerman has worked at Hughson Unified for five years. She said she started working in food and nutrition services “on a whim.”

“I was a stay at home mom with three kids and I had a friend who worked in another district tell me to come sub in the cafeteria because the hours were good and I could be flexible with having kids at home. Once I started I quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. I got a permanent position within a few months and have consistently moved up in my position over the last 10 years,” she said.

Bowerman said the best part of her job is the kids.

“One thing I learned quickly is that while we as food service workers may only get to spend moments with our students each day, it has a great impact on them. We provide them with warmth and comfort in the meals we provide, and if we're lucky we get to see them smile and laugh each day,” she said.

Jimenez Soto has been working at Chatom Union for eight years.

“My interest in technology started back in high school when I got my first personal computer. The more I used it, the more curious I became about how it worked and about technology in general. As technology became a bigger part of everyday life, it was easy to explore and learn about different tools and systems,” he said about how he first got interested in working with technology.

“The best part of my job is that it is well balanced, combining both technical and social aspects. Each day involves managing devices that need attention, but it also requires working directly with the end users like the staff and students here at Chatom. I enjoy that my role allows me to help both technology and the people who rely on it,” he said.

Other employees selected as Stanislaus County representative include:

·         Becky Hudson, Office Manager II, Ceres Unified School District, Clerical & Administrative Services Category 

·         Barry Finneman, Lead Custodian/Maintenance & Grounds, Waterford Unified School District, Custodial & Maintenance Services Category

·         Ricky Bispo, Student Support Specialist, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Health & Student Services Category

·         Hope Lyons, Instructional Para Special Ed. PK-12, Modesto City Schools, Paraprofessional Services Category

·         Kristin Casad, Noon Duty Supervisor, Sylvan Union School District, Security Services Category

·         Paul Sollitt, HVAC/Electrician, Empire Union School District, Skilled Trade Services Category

·         Shelly Gentry, Warehouse Delivery Driver – Equipment Service Worker, Oakdale Joint Unified School District, Transportation Services Category

Additionally, Fabiola Zapien, a Paraprofessional II from Patterson Joint Unified School District, received the annual Jane Johnston Civility Award for exemplifying the principles of civility both at work and in her personal life.

“We recognize classified staff as leaders in the success of every school and every student,” said Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall. “Their impact often shows up in ways that aren’t measured on a test, but are felt in a child’s sense of belonging, safety, and hope. They are essential, valued, and deeply appreciated.”