Carson City School District honors employees at annual recognition event

Carson City School District recognized dozens of staff at its annual employee recognition event, where the district named Dr. Jen Ward administrator of the year, Jessica Greener the education support professional (ESP) of the year and Matt Morgan educator of the year.

The program, emceed by Dan Davis, brought together site winners from Carson High, middle and elementary schools and district departments and included presentations of certificates, coins and acknowledgements of long service. Greater Nevada Credit Union contributed three $200 gift certificates for the top winners and presented a $600 check to the district's recognition program.

Why it matters: The event highlights district staff efforts across schools and departments and selects three employees to represent Carson City on the state level among 17 Nevada school districts.

The evening began with brief remarks from Superintendent Fuelling and School Board President Lupe Ramirez, who praised nominees’ dedication to students and families. "Your willingness to go above and beyond, regardless of the position that you hold, is a reason why we are celebrating you this evening," Ramirez said. Dan Davis, who led the program, said the event is his "favorite night of the year" and described the awards process, including site-level nominations, interviews and a judging panel.

Winners and highlights: Dr. Jen Ward, principal of Fremont Elementary School, was named Administrator of the Year. The program noted Ward's 29 years with the district, her roles as vice principal and instructional coach, and her work promoting AVID practices and equitable pay through the union. Jessica Greener, a grants supervisor who was unable to attend earlier in the evening, was named ESP of the Year; the presentation noted her role securing short-notice state funding and her cross-district impact. Greener later spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and family: "I'm just so grateful to my family for their support, for AJ for taking a chance on me 6 years ago and hiring me." Matt Morgan, a social studies teacher and dean of students at Carson High, was named Educator of the Year. In accepting the award Morgan said it was "humbling" and credited his colleagues and students.

The program also acknowledged many site-level winners across schools and departments. Examples read aloud by the emcee included Troy McLaughlin, a Carson High custodian noted for his positive attitude (McLaughlin said, "I still don't feel like I've worked a day" about his two years at the school); Becky McGee, a special education paraprofessional at Fremont; and Connie, the library and media technician at Seeliger Elementary, who serves about 120 students per day and is retiring after a long career.

Funding and partnerships: Greater Nevada Credit Union provided three $200 gift certificates for the top winners and maintained an information table in the Bonanza Room. The emcee noted that the overall winners will represent Carson City at a state-level competition among 17 Nevada school districts.

Program logistics and next steps: Winners received certificates and commemorative coins and were invited to a reception in the Bonanza Room following the program. The district encouraged attendees to use the photo backdrop provided.

The event focused on recognition rather than policy or board action; there were no votes or formal motions recorded during the program.