Recognizing excellence in Kyrene is a long-standing tradition that has celebrated educators for nearly a decade. Since the inception of the Kyrene Values Awards, over 800 employees have been honored. Please join us in congratulating our 2025-26 first quarter awardees!

Terry Black, Bus Driver

"Mr. Terry, you go far beyond simply driving a bus. You create a rolling community where every student feels seen, heard, and celebrated. With your daily chants, question of the day, high fives, and fist bumps, you transform a routine ride into a moment of joy and connection."

Diana Dunn, Resource IA, Kyrene del Norte

"Diana is such an amazing team player. She collaborates with so many different areas here at  Norte and is able to work well with everyone. She brings the perspective of a parent, the mindset of a teacher and the energy of a student every day."

Crystal Geno, K-2 CCD Teacher, Kyrene de los Cerritos

"Crystal radiates the Kyrene Key Value of Connection in everything she does! As a self-contained K–2 teacher, she creates a vibrant, language-rich classroom where every child is celebrated, supported, and loved. You’ll often find her right on the floor, eye-to-eye with her students, using playful, child-led learning to spark growth and build trust."

Erin Gray, Student Services, Kyrene del Pueblo

"Every day, Erin consistently demonstrates the value of compassion from the moment she enters the building. She possesses an extraordinary level of empathy and kindness toward everyone she meets, always addressing questions and concerns with her warm, empathetic smile."

Stacy Huguez, Teacher Resource, Kyrene de la Mirada

"She consistently demonstrates the courage to do what is right for children, even when it is time-consuming or requires additional effort from adults. Her decisions are always rooted in what is best for students, and she models this integrity for all of us."

Catie Hunter, Assistant Principal, Kyrene de la Colina

"Ms. Hunter has made an immeasurable impact at Kyrene de la Colina through her ability to genuinely connect with students, staff, and families. Her leadership is rooted in CONNECTIONS, relationships, and her efforts have strengthened our school community in countless ways."

Jenni Jensen, TED for 3/4/5, Kyrene de las Manitas

"Jenni has been collaborating with multiple staff across campus to support students, ensuring their success.  As a TED, Jenni has numerous new team members this year. Through the ups and downs of learning what it means to be a team teacher, Jenni has been a consistent leader, providing a shoulder to cry on as well as lean on for her team members."

Nicki Mann, CCB Teacher, Kyrene del Pueblo

"She meets the needs of her students with patience, compassion, and respect. What makes Nicki exceptional is the way she consistently builds trusting relationships with students who often struggle with adults at school. Through a calm and steady presence, Nicki creates a safe environment where students feel heard, valued, and understood."

Bernadette Marshall, Attendance Clerk, Kyrene de la Colina

"Even on the most hectic days, when things are forgotten or the to-do list is endless, Bernadette is composed, kind, and solution-oriented. She treats every person who walks through the office doors with compassion and respect, making everyone feel seen and cared for. Her quiet strength and positivity make her a true cornerstone of our school community."

Jodie McClevey, Culinary Arts, Kyrene Akimel A-al

"Jodie McClevey exemplifies what it means to be a collaborative and inclusive educator. Not only does she manage a full classroom of general education students, but she also goes above and beyond to support my self-contained students with the same level of dedication and care."

McKenzie Murdock, 1st Grade Teacher, Kyrene de la Paloma

"McKenzie is an incredible collaborator and teammate. She is exceptionally organized and keeps our entire team on track through her management of the online lesson plan book we all rely on. Each week, she sends out a detailed PLC email with all the links and resources we need to prepare for our discussions."

Adrian Villalpando, Building Manager, Kyrene de la Paloma

"His attention to detail, reliability, and tireless work ethic create an environment that is not only clean and safe, but also welcoming and inspiring. He is a quiet hero behind the scenes - one who helps our school shine every single day."

 

Thank you to our sponsor, CORE Construction, for providing each awardee with a $100 Amazon gift card.

 

 

About Kyrene Values

This school year, we asked Team Kyrene to submit peer nominations for the individuals who go above and beyond for our schools, students and staff, rooted in the traits outlined in the Kyrene Key Values: Connection, Collaboration, Compassion, Courage, Curiosity. These shared values define who we are as Kyrene educators and what it takes to meet our responsibilities to students, to each other and to our community. Kyrene Values Educator awardees are recognized quarterly by the Superintendent. Awards are given out quarterly to 12 recipients who are chosen from the nomination pool by the Kyrene Values Committee.