Crystal Awards

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Crystal Awards

Clovis Unified’s highest employee award!

Recipients are exceptional employees who illustrate Clovis Unified’s very best in striving to meet the district’s Aims and Core Values. They make student-centered decisions, educate the whole child, show commitment, exhibit innovative thinking, build partnerships among stakeholders and strive for continuous improvement.

In short, these are people who go far above and beyond what is required in their job description. These are people who care deeply and make a measurable difference in the lives of students, a department or a school community.

2022-23 Honorees

Stephanie Avery, Clovis West High, English Teacher

Alison Bartosch, Buchanan High, Data Control Specialist

Benjamin Canzano, Special Education, Adapted PE Teacher

David Castle, Kastner Intermediate, Activities Director

Lesley Chance, Gateway High, Transition Coordinator

Shawna Cook, Sierra Outdoor School, Campus Catering Supervisor Sr.

Cassandra Germond, Woods Elementary, Fifth/Sixth Grade Combo Teacher

Nicholas Gonzalez, Boris Elementary, Instructional Assistant IV

Stephanie Henderson, Dry Creek Elementary, Third Grade Teacher

Jennifer A. Knight, Clovis East High, Agriculture Teacher

Tanisha Laret, Boris Elementary, Student Activities Specialist I

Jenny Mammen, Gateway High, Teacher Librarian

Jill M. Moorhead, Oraze Elementary, Library Technician

Matthew Moss, Bud Rank Elementary, Plant Manager I

Carlie Negrete, Pinedale Elementary, First Grade Teacher

Erynn Nelson, Fancher Creek Elementary, Instructional Assistant I

Dianne S. Oller, Cole Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher

Sandy Paez, Temperance-Kutner Elementary, Instructional Assistant Home Liaison

Mark Perez, Pinedale Elementary, Custodian II

Sarah Perkovich, Clovis High, English Teacher

Liz Peugh, Mickey Cox Elementary, Intervention Teacher

Adam Reid, Clovis West High, Special Education Teacher

Erica Robinson, Granite Ridge Intermediate, Seventh Grade Science Teacher

Steve Soma, Sierra Vista Elementary, Plant Supervisor

Libby Trutna, Special Education, Occupational Therapist

Tachua Vue, Ed.D., Tarpey Elementary, Principal

Vance Walberg, Clovis West High, PE Teacher and Director of Sport Basketball

Tina Wood, Clovis North High, School Counselor

Past Honorees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Who is eligible for a 2022-23 Crystal Award?
All current part-time and full-time Clovis Unified classified and certificated employees who have:

Worked in CUSD a minimum of five school years as of June 30, 2023
Worked in their current job at least two years as of June 30, 2023
Not received any reprimands from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023

Who can nominate?
Everyone employed by Clovis Unified may nominate another employee of the district. Employees may nominate as many colleagues as they choose; only one person may be nominated per application form. A community member or retiree may also nominate an employee, however, that person will need to have the nominee’s supervisor review and sign the application.

What is the judging criteria?
A judging panel comprised of CUSD employees follow a strict criteria in rating nominees. Judges are provided a rubric containing criteria and identifying information on how to score the application. If you are nominating a co-worker, please consider reviewing the judging rubric, which is available online, as it will help you prepare the best representation of your Crystal Award candidate.

When is the 2022-23 nomination period?
September 1, 2023 through October 16, 2023. Completed forms, including all documentation and signatures, via Informed K12. The nomination form will be available starting September 1, 2023 and can be found on the right of this page under "Nomination Form."

What should I expect on the nomination form?
Are you considering nominating someone for a Crystal Award? Below, find a brief explanation of parts that make up the Crystal Award nomination form. All sections must be completed in order for a nomination to be considered. Nominees are considered based upon their work in the 2022-23 school year.

Part I: GENERAL INFORMATION
Information about the nominee (name, job description, years at CUSD, contacts).

Part II: NOMINATION ESSAY(S)

The nominator will write an essay that show how the nominee has demonstrated the AIMS and Core Values of the Districts Strategic Plan. The essay should demonstrate how the nominee goes above and beyond in their job and provide examples and results in an essay of up to 1,300 words.

The nominator should select at least one Aim and Core Value that the nominee has advanced forward through their exceptional efforts that goes beyond the nominee's job description. Using a maximum of 1,300 words. The nominator should provide specific examples, detail of how this was more than what was expected and convey measurable results of the nominee’s work.

Part III: LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Three letters of support for the nominee are required. These should add further insights and examples of the nominee's exceptional work. Letters are limited to one page.

Nominators are encouraged to conduct research necessary to complete an application that will best represent a nominee. The Crystals Guidelines and Strategic Plan can be found on this webpage on the right, under "Resources."

When will recipients be announced?

By mid November, recipients have been determined and announcements are made through the second week in December.

When is the Crystal Awards Gala?
The Crystals will be held the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Clovis Unified's Performing Arts Center in the Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall. Tickets are not required and all are welcome to celebrate these phenomenal employees!