In a heartfelt celebration of dedication and excellence, the Antelope Valley Union High School District recently held its 41st Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, honoring the extraordinary individuals who form the backbone of our educational community. The event, filled with tears, laughter, and standing ovations, recognized those exceptional staff members who have been nominated by their peers as outstanding representatives of commitment to education and student success.

Teacher of the Year

Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Teacher of the Year award to Seth Johnson who has been recognized as the site-level Teacher of the Year at Lancaster High School. He was joined by:

Antelope Valley High School: Avonlea Meister

Eastside High School: Elsa Balcazar

Highland High School: Steve Harrington

Knight High School: Tange Barlow-Merrick

Littlerock High School: Anthony Parady

Palmdale High School: Monica Dopson

Quartz Hill High School: Lorena Quintana-Benavides

SOAR Prep:  Yvonne Miranda

These educators embody the qualities of outstanding teachers, and we are privileged to count them among our esteemed teaching staff. Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year recipients for this well-deserved recognition. 

The Classified Employee of the Year

The Classified Employee of the Year honor went to Evira Garcia of Littlerock High School whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensure a safe environment for her campus. She is joined in this honor by her fellow site award recipients:

Antelope Valley High School: Luis Villanueva

Desert Pathways: Torreon Williams

District Office: Stephanie Oberg

Eastside High School: Federico Bennett

Highland High School: Lisa Sacca

Knight High School: Mayra Santana

Lancaster High School: Kyle Frazier

Palmdale High School: Minerva Selley

Quartz Hill High School: Antoune Hill

Distinguished and Special Service Awards

 The Distinguished Service Award recipients, Tom Hixon, Jeffrey Patterson, and Tennill Stroy, have been pillars of our district, consistently elevating the standard of excellence through their contributions. Their dedication exemplifies their commitment to academic success, as they foster positive relationships and create environments that support learning and growth. We are grateful for their commitment to our District’s mission and vision. Our Special Service Award recipients have made a lasting impact on our school community. Their commitment to delivering exceptional service to our students, staff, and families has been exemplary. Recipients of the Special Service Award also included:

Eastside High School: Katie Artiga, Alec Garren, Brandon Palmer, Jamar Patrick, Krista Reader, Marina Scates, and Blake Stanford

Desert Winds High School: Pam Butchart and David Rodriguez

Quartz Hill High School: Keven Acevedo, Tiffany Aquino, Anna Cockrell, Ethan Espinosa, Antoune Hill, Alan Howell, Nathaniel Myles, Christopher Niemeyer, Latisha Sampson, and Joni Villegas

R. Rex Parris High School: Wendy Ihrig, Mayra Martinez, Danielle Moise, and Keenan Williams

Palmdale High School: Monica Dopson

Over 30 Years of Dedicated Service

The ceremony also celebrated the remarkable milestone achievements of educators who have dedicated decades of their professional lives to the district, honoring those who have served over 30 years of service. These recipients included:

30 Years of Service

Yoly Arellano, Registrar, Quartz Hill High School

Glen Darbeau, Vice Principal, Palmdale High School

Frank Dixon, Teacher, Quartz Hill High School

Matt Fitzgerald, Vice Principal, Lancaster High School

Conrad Hernandez, AFJROTC Instructor, Knight and Highland High School

Tom Hixon, Teacher, Eastside High School

Lora Kopietz, Teacher, Lancaster High School

Mike McCullough, Teacher, Palmdale High School

Tammie Nickols, Principal, Knight High School

Michele Polizzi, Secretary II, Lancaster High School

Tyressa Price, Teacher, Lancaster High School

Marisol Serrano-Gonzalez, Bilingual Secretary II, Antelope Valley High School

Dan Stewart, Director of Information Services, District Office

Matt Tassinari, Teacher, Palmdale High School

Elizabeth Whisenand, Teacher, R. Rex Parris High School

Shandelyn Williams, Deputy Superintendent, District Office

Mary Ybarra, Cafeteria Helper, Highland High School

35 Years of Service

Gail Garrett, Cafeteria Helper, Palmdale High School

Kathy Givens, Cafeteria Helper, Quartz Hill High School

Sheila Mann, Cafeteria Helper, Antelope Valley High School

Darla Wagner, Senior Attendance Clerk, Palmdale High School

Steve Vose, Maintenance I, District Office

40 Years of Service

Sharon Weisenberger, Teacher, Palmdale High School

As the evening concluded, Assistant Superintendent Kristina Ramos emphasized the ripple effect these exceptional educators create. The influence of a great teacher never ends. It continues through every life they touch, every student they inspire, every colleague they mentor. The honorees, surrounded by colleagues and family members, represented the very best of education in the Antelope Valley – individuals who transform not just classrooms, but communities, one student at a time.