Recognizing excellence in Kyrene is a long-standing tradition that has celebrated educators for nearly a decade. Please join us in congratulating our 2026-27 1st quarter awardees!

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Derrick Laux 
Fifth-grade Teacher, Kyrene del Norte 
His commitment to seeing students succeed is seen on a daily basis. He focuses on building student relationships, and it's very evident in seeing how students respond positively to peer interactions and demonstrate their resiliency through the academic work.

 

Dani Mellon
CCB Teacher, Kyrene de la Esperanza 
As we bring two school communities together as one Esperanza, Ms. Mellon has been instrumental in helping build bridges and strengthen collaboration. Her willingness to listen, partner, problem-solve, and support others embodies the spirit of being ALL FINS IN.

 

Lauren Stewart
Fourth-grade Teacher, Kyrene del Cielo
Lauren models collaboration for her students daily. She intentionally creates a classroom culture where students learn to work together, share ideas, and support one another in their learning. Through her example, fourth graders learn that collaboration is not only an important skill, but also a powerful way to build a strong, inclusive learning community.

 

Naomi Robinson
Math Teacher, Kyrene Centennial
She consistently goes above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with her students, their families, and her colleagues. She takes the time to truly know her students, making them feel seen, heard, and valued both as learners and as individuals.

 

James "Jimmy" Reinhardt
Resource Teacher, C.I. Waggoner
Mr. Reinhardt is constantly asking questions, sharing observations, bouncing ideas off others, and problem-solving alongside his colleagues. Our conversations are always centered around one question: “What can we do to best meet this student where they are and help them get where we know they can go?” He values what others are seeing, brings his own ideas to the table, and is always willing to adjust, try something different, or work together to find what a student needs.

 

Lisa Guerra
Preschool Resource Teacher, Kyrene de la Mariposa
Lisa is often one of the first points of contact and first experiences preschool families have with our district, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure families feel seen, heard, and valued. She helps families navigate the evaluation process and access the supports their children may need, often checking in beyond what is required.

 

Danae Branson
Building Manager, Kyrene de los Lagos
Danae is an invaluable member of Team Lagos and consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, staff, and families. As our Building Manager, she does far more than maintain our campus—she helps create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone.

 

Sarah Gonzalez
Resource Instructional Aide, Kyrene de las Lomas
Sara is an invaluable asset to our school community. Our students adore her, and our staff deeply relies on her steadfast dedication. By continuously learning, building bridges across grade levels, and keeping students at the heart of her work, Sara demonstrates the true power of effective collaboration.

 

Terra Masias
Attendance Clerk, Kyrene Traditional Academy
Terra makes people feel seen, heard, welcomed, and valued. Her kindness is reflected not only in what she says, but in the intentional actions she takes every day on behalf of students and families. She is an exceptional example of what it means to live the Kyrene Key Values and is truly Key to Kyrene!

 

Eric Gonzales
Behavior Intervention Specialist, Kyrene del Norte
Eric has the unique ability to build trusting relationships with students who typically resist those connections, while simultaneously challenging them to produce more. He genuinely cares about kids and the pride and self-esteem that it brings them when they make positive changes and are successful.

 

Jan Van Ryswik
Instructional Assistant, Kyrene del Millenio
Touching every part of our community, she has decorated our school for years, bringing brightness, joy, and a welcoming, homey environment to all who walk our halls. From the front office to the ladies' restroom to the bulletin boards, she makes our days brighter. For years, she has done so, all while tending to our littlest learners with hugs and smiles. 

 

Matthew Martin
Principal, Kyrene de los Cerritos
Even though he's new to Cerritos, he has made it his mission to get to know our staff, build relationships, and make sure people feel a part of decision-making, supported, and valued. He leads with curiosity, consistency, and purpose, and our school is already better because of it.