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 3rd quarter awardees!

---

 

Alyssa D'Andrea - Collaboration & Courage
7th Grade Teacher, Kyrene Aprende 
Alyssa exemplifies collaboration in every sense of the word. Alyssa consistently puts others first and goes above and beyond to ensure the success of her team and students. Alyssa has a burning, courageous desire to make a difference in her students’ lives with compassion, adaptability, and practicality.

 

Elizabeth Assante - Connection & Curiosity
1st & 2nd Grade Teacher, Kyrene de las Manitas
As a second-year teacher, curiosity is one of Elizabeth’s biggest strengths. She has built solid relationships with students where her curiosity to learn all about their strengths and areas of growth, as well as their learning style, outside interests, and things that motivate them. Elizabeth takes the time to ensure every student feels seen and heard. She knows that when they feel valued by their teacher, their curiosity increases and they learn more.

 

Mandy Azose - Connection
Music Teacher, Kyrene de la Esperanza
In less than two years, Mandy has become an essential part of our school community by intentionally building relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for connection through music. Mandy’s dedication to connection extends beyond the school day. She leads an after-school crafting club, providing students with an additional space to feel included and supported.

 

Mariah Bernal - Collaboration
Food Services Specialist, District Office
Mariah is the perfect example of a worker who moves the needle for success. Her drive, commitment, and sense of urgency are far above expectations. Mariah has a passion for doing whatever it takes to take care of the students, and vendors is awesome. She is one of the best!

 

Adam Burns - Compassion
Building Manager, Kyrene de las Manitas
Mr. Burns is a quiet hero on the Manitas campus. With every thing he does, he takes pride in ensuring Manitas is a safe, beautiful place for staff and students every day. Mr. Burns has not only built connections with his fellow staff members, he has also built connections with students.

 

Josh Feldhake - Collaboration
Videographer, District Office
Josh exemplifies the value of Collaboration by using his expertise to support others and elevate the work of our entire district. In every interaction I have had with him, Josh has an exceptional ability to make people feel comfortable and confident on camera—something that does not come naturally to many educators. Because of this, he helps ensure that staff members’ ideas and voices are shared clearly.

 

Aimee Lindemann - Curiosity
Teacher Facilitator, District Office
This has been a challenging year with significant changes underway and on the horizon. Throughout it all, Aimee has stepped up in her leadership role to guide teams in supporting students while maintaining special education compliance. Rather than defaulting to conventional approaches, Aimee has encouraged teams to think creatively about their schedules and staffing, helping them explore solutions that truly benefit students.

 

Delia Lyding - Compassion
Academic Interventionist, Kyrene de la Colina
Delia shows a deep awareness of students’ emotional and academic struggles, along with a proactive effort to support and uplift them. She’s generous, empathetic, and always willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others. Delia shows warmth, smiles often and expresses genuine interest.

 

Bobby Norman - Curiosity
STEM Teacher, Kyrene Akimel A-al
Through his efforts, including organizing schoolwide ping pong tournaments that invite participation from students across all grades and social groups, he consistently fosters curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging—often extending encouragement to students he has never taught. His innovative mindset enriches the school culture and helps students discover confidence and connection in meaningful, unexpected ways.

 

Gary Olney - Connection
Bus Driver, Kyrene Transportation & Kyrene de los Niños 
Gary is a constant, positive presence on our campus. He is never absent and can always be counted on to greet each student with a smile and a kind word. He takes the time to know every student by name, making them feel seen, valued, and safe. What makes Gary truly special is that his impact extends beyond the students who ride his bus.

 

Olivia Parry - Connection
Principal, Kyrene de los Niños
Olivia Parry believes deeply in the power of connection through volunteerism. She actively fosters meaningful relationships with both staff, students, and parents, leading by example in the communities she serves. Olivia makes a difference by encouraging connection, she does an amazing job of bringing people together.

 

Sonya Valencia - Compassion
Resource Instructional Assistant, Kyrene del Norte
Sonya is part of the reason why Norte feels like home, like family. It's not just one situation; it's every day. Her number one priority is helping the students. Whether it's helping them with curriculum or providing a safe space for them to refocus and settle their big emotions, Sonya compassionately lends herself to the moment.