At the May 28, 2026 School Board meeting, PUSD recognized outstanding students, staff, and community partners from across the district, celebrating achievements in education, career and technical education, community service, and more.
KIWANIS CLUB OF PORTERVILLE
Bert Martinez
COMMUNITY PARTNER — MIGRANT PROGRAM
Bert Martinez and the Kiwanis Club of Porterville were recognized for their longstanding partnership with PUSD's Migrant Program. Through consistent donations of school supplies, hygiene items, clothing, and food, the Kiwanis Club has been one of the program's most reliable community partners, ensuring that migrant families and their children feel seen and supported.
MONACHE HIGH SCHOOL — SKILLSUSA
Annalise Garay
MCTA PATHWAY — TECHNICAL DESIGN
Annalise Garay competed in technical design at the state SkillsUSA competition and brought home a gold medal, the first time a Monache student has medaled in a CAD event. She has been part of the MCTA pathway for four years, coached by Tim Newby.
Alyssa Nunez
MCTA PATHWAY — CABINET MAKING
Alyssa Nunez earned a silver medal in cabinet making at the state SkillsUSA competition and will advance to the national competition in Atlanta, missing her own graduation to represent PUSD and the State of California. She has been part of the MCTA pathway for four years, coached by Tim Newby.
HARMONY MAGNET ACADEMY
Jeromy Blackwell
HISTORY TEACHER & COACH
Jeromy Blackwell was named the 2026 High School Educator of the Year, awarded through a partnership between the Central California Chinese Cultural Center and the Tulare County Office of Education. In the classroom, he is known for building critical thinking skills and consistently strong AP results. On the field, he has led his teams to 8 league, 5 Valley, and 2 state championships over a coaching career spanning more than 25 years in the Strathmore community.
EDUCATION IMPACT AWARD — STUDENT SUCCESS COACH LEARNING NETWORK
Evelina Lara
5TH GRADE TEACHER — DOYLE ELEMENTARY
Evelina Lara consistently goes above and beyond to meet diverse student needs while building strong relationships with families and the community. As a mentor, she creates a supportive environment where both students and colleagues feel valued and prepared to succeed.
Nate Crocker
TEACHER — WESTFIELD ELEMENTARY
Nate Crocker is known for the character and life lessons he instills in students every day, preparing them for life beyond the curriculum. His students carry his words with them: "Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do, not because you expect something in return."
Claudia Medrano
TEACHER — SANTA FE ELEMENTARY
Claudia Medrano creates a safe, structured, and empowering classroom environment where students build both confidence and academic growth. Her strong classroom management, clear routines, and meaningful relationships have cultivated a culture rooted in respect and belonging.
Valerie Lopez
TEACHER — SANTA FE ELEMENTARY
Valerie Lopez brings positivity, organization, and care to her classroom every day, fostering a strong sense of community where students feel motivated to do their best. As a mentor, she models professionalism, flexibility, and grace under pressure for the future educators learning alongside her.
Georgina Torres
TEACHER — OLIVE STREET ELEMENTARY
Georgina Torres consistently puts her students first and works tirelessly to ensure they receive the education they deserve. She has invested deeply in mentoring future educators by providing hands-on opportunities to co-teach, plan lessons, and develop their own teaching style.
ASPIRING ADMINISTRATORS ACADEMY
Jennifer Vela, Marissa Martinez, Anthony Leyva, Erica Gutierrez, and Christopher Alcantar
2025-26 COHORT
This year's Aspiring Administrators Academy cohort completed a full year of leadership development outside of regular work hours, participating in book studies, shadowing experiences with district leaders, and helping organize the district's spring art show alongside Porterville Celebrates Reading. They are part of a growing program that has now supported 34 participants over four cohorts, 13 of whom have gone on to become administrators in the district.
EARLY EDUCATION
Susana Ceballos
PRESCHOOL TEACHER — HOOPS PRESCHOOL
Susana Ceballos has been a preschool teacher at Hoops Preschool since 2011 and is known for her reliability, flexibility, and calm presence in the classroom. Her exceptional attendance and strong classroom management skills make her someone the team can always count on.
Christina Morales
PRESCHOOL TEACHER — BELLEVIEW PRESCHOOL
Christina Morales has been a preschool teacher at Belleview Preschool since 2010 and is recognized for her positivity, strong leadership, and ability to motivate those around her. Her proactive approach and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a meaningful impact on both students and staff.
Brenda Prado-Flores
EARLY EDUCATION INCLUSION ASSISTANT
Brenda Prado-Flores has supported multiple campuses since 2021, consistently stepping in wherever she is needed with flexibility, compassion, and a positive attitude. She is especially recognized for her ability to build strong relationships with students who require additional care and individualized support.
NUTRITION SERVICES — EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
Patricia Hubbard, Yudith Navarro, Arlen Woods, Gale Peterson, Amanda Berrones, Corrina Sledge, Candelario Duran, Monica Garcia, Kathleen Cemo, and Neil Perkins
NUTRITION SERVICES
Ten Nutrition Services employees were honored for going above and beyond this school year, each earning an Employee of the Month recognition for their dedication and care for students across the district.
Porterville Unified School District · Board Meeting, May 28, 2026