Carson City School District names Kendra Tuttle educator of the year; Rebecca Hanswitter wins ESP honor

Dan Davis, the Carson City School District public information officer, emceed the district’s annual Employee of the Year recognition evening and introduced honorees from across the district’s schools.

The program recognized staff site-by-site — high schools, middle schools and elementary schools — with each winner receiving a certificate, a commemorative coin and a gift card. Davis described the selection process: nominees were interviewed by judging panels, and the two overall winners will represent the district at the state level among Nevada school districts.

Rebecca Hanswitter was announced as the district’s overall Educational Support Professional (ESP) of the year. Introduced as Carson High’s career center specialist, the district said Hanswitter “regularly assists students with a wide variety of needs” and serves as a hub for employment guidance and career-preparation activities. "Shocked is kind of an understatement," Hanswitter said after the announcement, adding she had been with the district for two years and was grateful for the recognition.

Kendra Tuttle was named Educator of the Year. District remarks credited Tuttle with building partnerships between the high school and every elementary school, creating service opportunities for students and organizing high school graduation walks that connect seniors with younger students. "This district is the heart and soul of our beautiful community," Tuttle said, noting her long personal ties to Carson City and the district’s role in supporting students.

The ceremony also celebrated dozens of site-level winners. Presenters highlighted classified staff roles that keep schools running — from front-office managers and cafeteria staff to transportation mechanics and student-support professionals — and classroom teachers recognized for instructional leadership and mentorship. Bethany, a school nurse at Seeliger, described the job as more than first aid: she called it advocacy and relationship building that helps students and staff every day.

Winners and presenters repeatedly emphasized the district’s collaborative culture. Several recipients noted family and colleague support as central to their work; multiple speakers described mentoring new teachers, sustaining student-focused programs and building relationships that help students feel seen and supported.

Superintendent Fuelling and school board president Molly Walt joined the emcee on stage for the final announcements. The ceremony ended with brief closing remarks, a quick birthday song for the emcee and reminders about photos and refreshments.

Next steps: the two overall winners will proceed to state-level recognition; no policy actions, motions or formal board decisions were part of this event.