The board on March 22 announced the latest Quest for Excellence
quarterly school and district employee recognitions.
Laguna Beach High School principal Nancy Blade honored Jill
Edwards, the athletic financial clerk. Edwards will be retiring in
June. Blade said she has been integral to the school and has been
responsible for helping keep them in the black.
Norma Shelton, assistant superintendent for business operations,
honored Karyn Varro. Varro started as a temporary employee in
accounts payable. She later accepted permanent employment as the
construction accountant. Now that the construction projects are
nearing an end, she will be working as a budget analyst.
El Morro Elementary School principal Chris Duddy honored
second-grade teacher Debbie Finnerty.
"She is continually helping our organization improve and is an
unsung hero in the teaching profession," Duddy said. "She's gone
above and beyond as a teacher and is a real asset."
Thurston Middle School principal Joanne Culverhouse recognized
sixth- and seventh-grade social studies teacher Michelle Martinez.
"Michelle Martinez is a valuable member of the Thurston staff and
she contributes greatly to the social studies department,"
Culverhouse said. "She also has a great amount of expertise with the
professional learning community; we are relying on her expertise."
Top of the World Elementary School principal Ron La Motte
recognized second-grade teacher Linda Barker. She has been employed
at the district for 21 years and recently received her master's
degree in public school administration.
School Board Member Betsy Jenkins was honored March 8 at the 3rd
annual "Women Making a Difference in Orange County."
