At the Tempe Union High School District board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Wilson introduced Landings Credit Union President and CEO Bridal Lee, who presented the district’s annual “I’m Invested” awards recognizing staff from across the district.

The awards honored teachers, counselors and district staff in categories that included I’m Influential, I’m a Shining Star, I’m Distinguished Service, I’m Extraordinary and a special I’m Indispensable recognition. "I always love coming here, and this is my favorite time of year, as we work with you on the I’m Invested Awards," Lee said as he introduced recipients and read nomination highlights.

Recipients named in the presentation included Jennifer Bravo and Trent Elliott (I’m Influential); Aubrey Glazier and Noah Huerta (I’m a Shining Star); Scott Werner and Sarah Morovitz (I’m Distinguished Service); John Cook and Julie Duarte (I’m Extraordinary); and a special I’m Indispensable award to Sean McDonald for nearly 30 years of service and leadership in safety, operations and student supports. Desert Vista principal Stacy White accepted an award on behalf of Trent Elliott, who was coaching an away soccer game.

Lee told the board the program drew strong participation from the district: “Each year, the program grows in both the number of nominations we receive. We had 33 this year,” and nine staff were recognized.

The recognition highlighted activities and accomplishments read aloud at the meeting: expanded AP participation and advisory leadership in English classes (Jennifer Bravo), a campus gardening/economics project adopted into the Arizona Financial Literacy Seal requirements (Aubrey Glazier), digital media expansion of district communications (Noah Huerta), long-running and high-performing music programs (Scott Werner), dropout-prevention leadership tied to improved graduation outcomes (Sarah Morovitz), math outreach and summer academies (John Cook), English learner programming gains (Julie Duarte), and districtwide safety planning and intergovernmental coordination with the city of Tempe (Sean McDonald).

Board President Barraza and Superintendent Wilson thanked Landings Credit Union for the partnership and congratulated the honorees. The board did not take formal action related to the awards during the meeting.

A full listing of recipients and the nomination excerpts read at the meeting were included as part of the superintendent’s report.