Theresa Duran, school secretary at Foothill High School, has been selected as the 2011 Classified Employee of the Year by the Tustin Unified School District. She was chosen based on her significant contributions to the District and community.

“I’m thrilled to chosen for this wonderful honor and proud to represent all of the hard-working and dedicated classified employees in the Tustin school district,” Duran said.

The 14th annual awards program recognizes classified or support services employees whose contributions to TUSD have proven to be outstanding. The award is given to a classified employee who provides valuable services to schools and staff, contributes to a positive instructional environment, and goes above and beyond their job requirements.

Duran has been with the District for over 16 years – all at Foothill High. She serves as a secretary in the counseling office and interacts with many students and staff members throughout the day. She is knowledgeable and reliable and performs her duties with patience, kindness and takes pride in her responsibilities.

Duran, who is fluent in Spanish, provides a strong link to the school’s Hispanic families. She serves as a translator during meetings and helps teachers with phone calls and other communications to Spanish-speaking parents. Her compassionate support for students and parents also extends to Foothill families in need. She checks on students who are having difficulties in life, and does everything she can to ensure they attend school activities. She supports school fundraising opportunities for students in need and helps organize holiday baskets and dinners for financially-challenged families.

“Theresa is such a strong, positive part of the Foothill High community,” said Principal Al Marzilli. “She is very much appreciated for her hard work, her genuine heart and her great love for our students.”

Duran and the school/work site 2011 Classified Employees of the Year were recognized at the TUSD Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 9. They include:

District Administration Center – Dora Palomo, secretary, Kindergarten Readiness program.

Maintenance and Operations Department – Sharan McCarthy, secretary.

Elementary Schools – Maria Bloor, paraeducator, Special Education and noon duty supervisor, Arroyo; Cindy Mayer, school secretary, Benson; Irene Thomas, community liaison, Beswick; James Campos, night custodian, Estock; Dottie Maupin, office assistant, Guin Foss; Norma Hernandez, Nutrition Services assistant, Heideman; Albert Castro, head custodian, Hicks Canyon; Mayra Martinez, Health Services clerk, Ladera; Irma Rivera, Health Services Clerk, Lambert; Giselle Baxter, paraeducator, Special Education, Loma Vista; Jorge Magana, head custodian, Myford; Maria Garcia, paraeducator, teacher assistant and Noon Duty Supervisor, Nelson; Christa Jech, library media technician, Peters Canyon; Judi Gaines, library media technician, Red Hill; Torie Gawel, computer resource assistant, Thorman; Mary Beth Beames, paraeducator, Special Education and noon duty supervisor, Tustin Memorial Academy; Paulette Brizzolara, paraeducator, Special Education, Tustin Ranch; and Teresa Garcia, Nutrition Services assistant, Veeh.
Orchard Hills School – Laurie Lawver, library media technician.

Middle Schools – Frank Armenta, plant supervisor, Columbus Tustin School; Bill Woodward, plant supervisor, Currie School; Crystal Webster, school secretary, Hewes School; Stephanie Haas, data clerk, Pioneer School; and Art Rodriguez, plant supervisor, Utt School.

High Schools – Francisco Ledesma, custodian, Beckman; Lisa Gallick, head custodian, Hillview; and Dwayne Dionne, cafeteria manager, Tustin High.