Nearly 70 Innovators Honored At Pajaro Valley USD

WATSONVILLE, CA — The Pajaro Valley Unified School District took time Monday night to honor several of its staff members during the district's first Innovator of the Year Awards event sponsored by the Pajaro Valley Education Foundation. More than 200 peers and family members turned out at Watsonville High School Mello Center to celebrate dozens of honorees whose creativity helped nurture a good learning environment for students.

“PVUSD students are better prepared to become agile and reflexive learners because our staff are poised to support their academic and socio-emotional growth," said schools superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez. "As we recognize students’ progress, it is important to acknowledge the impact staffs’ innovation plays in their success because they create rigorous and safe environments where students can truly thrive.

The Innovator of the Year honorees were selected after PVEF directors asked school sites and departments to select one classified and one certificated individual who is making a significant contribution by virtue of innovative and creative strategies.

In addition to the Innovator of the Year awards, PVEF board of directors selected eight individuals—one certificated and one classified from the elementary school level, middle school level, high school level and department—to receive the District Innovator of the Year award. Those eight were: Lupe Medrano of EA Hall, Brenda Guzman of English Learners Programs, Jessica Macias of Lakeview, Yolanda Danna of MacQuiddy, Melanie Larsen of MarVista, Maria Gutierrez of Pajaro Valley High, Miranda Felton of Technology Services, and Claudia Zuñiga of Watsonville High each received a $250 monetary award.

In total, nearly 70 PVUSD innovators were honored Monday night.