The following employees were selected to receive the June Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the June 2026 school board meeting.
Employees are recognized between October and June of each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
In addition to awardees chosen by the peer nomination and Excellence Awards committee voting process, the Board of Directors may recognize recipients who have been nominated by the Superintendent’s Cabinet for demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to VPS students and their families.
Lindsey Allen
Teacher at Lake Shore Elementary
Few things speak louder about an educator’s legacy than a message from a former student. Now a ninth grader, her nominator reached out to share how much Lake Shore Elementary teacher Lindsey Allen still means to them:
“She has been a great influence in my life and has encouraged me to be a better student… I would like her to know how much she means to me. I am working on a book and this book will be dedicated to her. She is the BEST teacher ever! She deserves it!!!!”
Inspiring a future author is no small feat! Lindsey, your ability to motivate and uplift your students leaves an impression that echoes for years. Thank you.
MollyAnn Callen-Yancey
ICSP Teacher at Skyview High School
As an ICSP teacher at Skyview High School, MollyAnn Callen-Yancey is recognized for weaving a tight-knit community where every student finds their voice:
“MollyAnn prioritizes a sense of belonging, making sure the students on her caseload know they belong in every space in this school. Each one of our students came in this fall unsocial and uninvolved, but she has created a safe environment that has allowed them to come out of their shells. They have now joined after-school sports and clubs – including Unified sports and esports – and participate together in community circles. She encourages connections based on shared interests, celebrates their victories, and handles tough situations with sensitivity, kindness, and zero judgment.”
Thank you, MollyAnn.
Krista Ferderer
Paraeducator at Skyview High School
For the past four years, Skyview High School Paraeducator Krista Ferderer has been a steady, joyful anchor for the students she supports. A grateful parent shared just how deeply Krista’s dedication impacts their family’s daily life:
“Krista is caring and involved in the education of so many Special Education Students. She always has a smile on her face and goes above and beyond in her role. She escorts my daughter throughout her entire day, keeping her on task, safe, and helps her excel in her schoolwork. She spends time helping with Unified sports and she stays after school for bus duty in all kinds of weather… My daughter would not be nearly as successful in school if it were not for Krista.”
Thank you, Krista.
Alejandro Garcia
Paraeducator at Gaiser Middle School
Leadership, enthusiasm, and a knack for bringing people together define Alejandro’s impact at Gaiser Middle School. Nominated by a colleague, this paraeducator is recognized for stepping up exactly when and where his school community needs him most:
“Alejandro is a beloved para in our self-contained classes. He is an active member of the Gaiser community and participates in many extracurricular activities. When the school was without a PTA president, Alejandro stepped in and has led the Gaiser PTA for the last couple of years. He is a tireless worker who brings others along through his enthusiasm. He has connected with groups of parents and gotten them connected and involved with the Gaiser community.”
Thank you, Alejandro.
Leah Hoodes
Learning Support teacher at iTech
A parent’s nomination shines a bright light on the incredible work happening in Leah Hoodes’ Learning Support room this year. It is clear that Leah creates a foundation of trust that allows her students to truly flourish:
“My child is autistic and can struggle to connect with others, but Ms. Hoodes has been able to develop a meaningful relationship that has been a foundation for my child to make huge amounts of growth… Her learning support room is now a safe space that helps my kid feel like they belong. She has been proactive in her communication with us as parents and also with other teachers. She has empowered my child with the confidence to advocate for themselves, which is a skill that will benefit them for their whole life.”
Thank you, Leah.
Congratulations to these staff members!
They join the many VPS employees who have received Excellence Awards since 2007.