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Garden Grove Unified recognizes classified employees and teachers, highlights longtime custodian finalist
Summary
The Garden Grove Unified School District honored classified‑employee and teacher nominees from across the district, singling out Kurt Lucas — a 46‑year employee — as an Orange County finalist and California nominee under consideration for a national RISE award.
The Garden Grove Unified School District on June 3 recognized its Classified Employees of the Year and announced nominees for the Orange County Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program.
Assistant Superintendent Jason Bevawa introduced two video segments honoring nine classified‑employee nominees and three teacher nominees. Board materials noted that Kurt Lucas, head custodian at Crosby Elementary, was selected as an Orange County finalist and named among California’s nominees for further national consideration. Bevawa said Lucas has served the district for 46 years.
In recorded remarks, Lucas described his work opening campuses and preparing facilities each day. Other classified nominees — including Jennifer Birmingham (lead IBI), Isabelle Chnasky (cook/baker at La Quinta High School), Alyssa Gonzales (school community liaison at Russell Elementary), Shannon Lacey (secretary at Peters 4–6), Shannon Underwood (software and application specialist), Gabriela D’Angelo (behind‑the‑wheel/driver trainer), Nancy Monares (student supervision assistant), Jesse Prentice (painter), and others — spoke about their roles, years of service and what the recognition means to them.
The board presented certificates and took photos with awardees and family members. Bevawa also introduced teacher nominees Kristen Quarter (first grade, Rosita Elementary), Susan Russo (English, McGarvin Intermediate) and Kate Septum (fifth grade, Patton Elementary), noting Septum’s selection as an Orange County semifinalist.
The board’s acknowledgment capped a series of year‑end recognitions and was followed by trustee remarks celebrating staff and students. No formal action was required for the recognitions.
