MIDDLETOWN >> The Lake County Office of Education hosted the 21st Annual Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony on November 20 at Twin Pine Casino & Hotel in Middletown. This event honored the county teacher of the year, district teachers of the year, as well as others who have positively impacted education in Lake County.
April Leiferman, Lake County Assistant Superintendent of Schools, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
“In every school, during every era, the children, staff, and parents create a mini culture unique to them,” Leiferman said. “Over time, each of these cultures provides all the material needed for a dramatic mini-series. You can find heroes, tragedies, comedies, laughter, tears, and especially learning in many dimensions.”
This year’s honorees include:
Teachers of the Year
•Elisa Prather, Lake County Teacher of the Year and Lakeport Unified School District Teacher of the Year
•Cheryl Mostin, Kelseyville Unified School District Teacher of the Year
•Pam Ingersoll, Konocti Unified School District Teacher of the Year
•Megan Grant, Lucerne Elementary District Teacher of the Year
•Sue Olsen, Middletown Unified School District Teacher of the Year
•Clarinda Higgins, Upper Lake Union Elementary School District Teacher of the Year
•Paul Holt, Upper Lake Union High School District Teacher of the Year
Classified Employees of the Year
•Eduardo Ledesma, Kelseyville Unified School District Classified Employee of the Year
•Barb Denno, Konocti Unified School District Classified Employee of the Year
•Tracy Columbi, Lakeport Unified School District Classified Employee of the Year
•Marilyn Bingham, Middletown Unified School District Classified Employee of the Year
•Mechelle Finney, Upper Lake Union Elementary School District Classified Employee of the Year
•Buddy Thomas, Upper Lake Union High School District Classified Employee of the Year
Additional Honorees
•Pamela Hobbs, Early Childhood Educator of the Year
•Tim Gill, Administrator of the Year, Association of California School Administrator (ACSA)
