Demetris Davis, Nominated by a Colleague
Every day Dee comes in and gets her food prepped for lunch and goes to each team member helping them with any tasks needed until it is time to serve. No matter the task, any meal and any day, including summer feeding, Dee is prepared and ready even when circumstances change at a moment’s notice. She makes sure we accommodate accordingly and with a smile. Dee and another co-worker are the dynamic duo. These two are the glue for the VIS team. The students and staff love them, and they love what they do.
Kevin Engwiller, Nominated by a Colleague
Kevin consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. On several occasions, when I have reached out for assistance, he has responded promptly and willingly, ensuring that any remaining tasks were completed to a high standard. Most recently, I contacted Kevin regarding an odor in my classroom. He took the initiative to thoroughly inspect the area, identify the source, and address it with exceptional care. His efforts created a noticeably cleaner and healthier workspace, and I sincerely appreciate his dedication and attention to detail. Kevin consistently leads by example through his strong work ethic and continuous dedication to his responsibilities. Whenever I see him in the hallways, he is actively engaged in tasks that contribute to the upkeep and appearance of our school. I have never observed him without a purpose or task at hand. He takes genuine pride in his work, and it is evident not only in the improved cleanliness of our building but also in his steady, proactive approach to maintaining a high standard of care.
Julie Hofer, Nominated by a Parent
Mrs. Hofer consistently goes above and beyond to challenge my daughter academically. Rather than limiting her to grade-level expectations, she encouraged her to engage in above-grade-level work and supported her every step of the way. Whenever my daughter had questions or struggled with more advanced material, Mrs. Hofer took the time to help her understand and succeed. She continuously motivates my daughter to strive for more difficult work and to believe in her own abilities, fostering both confidence and a love of learning. Mrs. Hofer also demonstrated outstanding professionalism and care during a school lockdown. In an extremely stressful situation, she calmly gathered students into her classroom and reassured them until the situation was resolved. Her steady demeanor and compassionate response helped ease the students’ fears. My daughter felt safe and calm throughout the entire event because of how thoughtfully and confidently Mrs. Hofer handled the situation. This experience speaks volumes about her ability to prioritize student safety and emotional well-being, even under pressure. One of Mrs. Hofer’s greatest strengths is her exceptional communication with families. She keeps parents well informed about upcoming tests, quizzes, and classroom expectations. Because of her clear and consistent communication, we always feel connected to and confident in what is happening in her classroom. This level of transparency and organization creates a strong partnership between school and home, which greatly benefits students.
Rebecca Sevilla, Nominated by a Colleague
Every day Becca goes above and beyond not only to ensure our student are taken care of but assists any and all kitchen staff with anything they need. Becca is the main cook at VIS. She cooks and feeds more students than anyone in our school system. Each week she prepares roughly 2,000 lunches. Becca and another co-worker are the dynamic duo. These two are the glue for the VIS team. The students and staff love them, and they love what they do.