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.
 

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 his/her 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 three sections (represented on the application as Parts II, III and IV). If you are nominating a co-worker, please consider reviewing this 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 through October 15. Completed forms – including all documentation and signatures – can be delivered electronically or in person to the Human Resources & Employee Relations Department in the Clovis Unified District Office East.

The nomination form will be available starting September 1 and can be found on the right of this page under "Resources."
 
What should I expect on the nomination form?
Are you considering nominating someone for a Crystal Award? Below, find a brief explanation of the four parts that make up the Crystal Award nomination form. All sections must be completed in full in order for a nomination to be considered. Nominees are considered based upon their overall efforts, but in particular, on 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: CORE VALUE ESSAY(S) 
A full listing of CUSD’s identified Core Values is provided. The nominator will select ONE Core Value that has been consistently demonstrated by the nominee in an extraordinary way that goes above and beyond, and the nominator will illustrate this through examples and results in an essay of up to 300 words. One essay is required; up to four essays are allowed.

Part III: AIMS ESSAY
Clovis Unified’s vision statement is “To be America’s benchmark for excellence in education,” and the Governing Board and administration have established three Aims to help accomplish just that. 
  • Aim 1 - Maximize achievement for ALL students.
  • Aim 2 - Operate with increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Aim 3 - Hire, develop, sustain and value a high-quality, diverse workforce.
The nominator will select one Aim that the nominee has advanced forward through his/her exceptional efforts that goes beyond the nominee's job description. Using a maximum of 1,000 words, the nominator will provide specific examples, detail of how this was more than what was expected, and convey measurable results of the nominee’s work.

Part IV: 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.

Nominators are encouraged to plan for the time and research needed to complete an application that will best represent a nominee. Additional guidelines and information can be found on this webpage on the right, under "Resources."

When will recipients be announced? 
Employee teams of judging panels assess nominations according to a rubric based upon the Governing Board's established criteria and district aims and core values. By mid November, recipients have been determined and announcements are made through the second week in December.

When is the Crystals Award 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!
 

2021-22 Honorees

Toni Jo Beltran, Gettysburg Elementary Resource Specialist
Sheryl Boe, Transportation Director
Annette Burger, Buchanan High School Secretary II
Sarah Burress, Clovis East High Activities Director
Trina Hairabedian, Cole Elementary TK Instructional Assistant I
Stephanie Hanks, Clovis High Principal
Ginger Hazel, Temperance-Kutner Elementary Fifth Grade Teacher 
Cheryl Hedrick, Garfield Elementary Library Technician
Jennifer Hunt, Mickey Cox Elementary School Office Supervisor
Charlotte Loeffler, Mountain View Elementary Special Education Teacher 
Bobby Mammen, Clark Intermediate Teacher, Athletic Director
Elizabeth Marquez, Miramonte Elementary Third Grade Teacher 
Michael Miller, Clovis West High CTE Transportation Technology Instructor
Andrew Nabors, Facility Services Administrative Coordinator
Dan Pantoja, Pinedale Elementary (CW Area) Student Relations Liaison
Abigail Paxton, Buchanan High Drama Teacher 
Aaron “Coach Pen” Penberthy, Kastner Intermediate, P.E. Teacher
Joaquin Rivera, Pinedale Elementary, Fourth Grade Teacher 
Lizette Ruiz, Clovis West High Bilingual Instructional Assistant II
Susan Rutledge, Business Services Assistant Superintendent
Loree Sisterson, Reagan Educational Center School Office Supervisor, Sr.
Lauri Vaughn, Cedarwood Elementary 1st/2nd Grade Combo Teacher
Carol West, Mountain View Elementary Fifth Grade Teacher
Maila Yang, Tarpey Elementary Second Grade Teacher 

2023 Event Video (21/22 Honorees)

Click to watch the complete 2023 Crystal Awards Ceremony

SAVE THE DATE!

Crystals Award Ceremony: 
February 28, 2024

Nomination Window

The nomination window opens in September for employee work performed in the 2022-23 school year. Completed forms will be due by 5 p.m. October 16.
Crystal

    Clovis Unified School District: Be the best you can be in mind, body, and spirit

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