2023 QCUSD Awards of Excellence
The QCUSD Awards of Excellence is an annual award that recognizes educators and staff members who have gone above and beyond to serve QCUSD’s students and community. This year, 29 teachers and staff members were recognized for their achievements.
Staff members anonymously nominate their colleagues for the award each year. A committee then selects two winners from each school to receive the award.
This award recognizes those who achieve excellence, lead with integrity and empower others around them. They also demonstrate QCUSD Positive Behavior Interventions and Support expectations: Be Kind. Be Respectful. Show Integrity.
Superintendent Dr. Berry surprised the award-winners with the good news during the school day. Recipients were able to celebrate the honor with their students and fellow QCUSD staff members. They later attended a ceremony at the Queen Creek Center for Performing Arts.
See the full list of winners below:
DME
- Educator of the Year: Kristen Dawson
- Support Staff of the Year: Kristy Leon
FBPE
- Educator of the Year: Stephanie Atkison
- Support Staff of the Year: Chen Goldstein
FMSE
- Educator of the Year: Lara Cox
- Support Staff of the Year: Connie Romano
- Educator of the Year: Heather Raber
- Support Staff of the Year: Jayden Bagge
JBE
- Educator of the Year: Flor Noble
- Support Staff of the Year: Autumn Page
KMBE
- Educator of the Year: Emily Walicki
- Support Staff of the Year: Shanon Lines
QCE
- Educator of the Year: Kathryn Burkhead
- Support Staff of the Year: Christine Beamon
SES
- Educator of the Year: Cassie Baldwin
- Support Staff of the Year: Cori Christensen
SVE
- Educator of the Year: Jill DeVorkin
- Support Staff of the Year: Crystal Haunschild
NBJHS
- Educator of the Year: Erika Donovan
- Support Staff of the Year: Leslie Antonino
QCJHS
- Educator of the Year: Joshua Mattis
- Support Staff of the Year: Hailey Harriman
CHS
- Educator of the Year: Jake Allen
- Support Staff of the Year: Marcos Montano
EHS
- Educator of the Year: Lisa Wilkins-Eames
- Support Staff of the Year: Leanne Hodson
QCHS
- Educator of the Year: Gabriel Gahn
- Support Staff of the Year: Betsy Roath
District Office
- Support Staff of the Year: Cassie Kennedy
Educator of the Year
- Joshua Mattis from QCJHS
Support Staff Member of the Year
- Marcos Montano from CHS