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Santa Cruz County Board honors teachers, counselors and Cabrillo College at annual awards
Summary
The county board presented its 2026 Educator, co‑Counselors, classified employee and administrator of the year awards and named Cabrillo College Community Partner of the Year; winners praised students and partners and received board recognition and photos.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Education presented its 2026 Educator and Community Partner awards at its regular meeting, honoring classroom teachers, counselors, classified staff and a higher‑education partner for contributions to students across the county.
President Williams and Superintendent Dr. Sabah opened the evening’s recognition, calling the awards one of the board’s favorite events and noting honorees will be permanently recorded on the county’s Educators of the Year perpetual plaque. Shereen Godarzi was named Teacher of the Year; presenters described her as a Watsonville native and a long‑time educator at H.A. Hyde Elementary whose classroom strategies and mentorship have influenced both students and colleagues. Assistant Superintendent Michael Berman described Godarzi’s instructional practices and how she served as a model and mentor during his early career.
The board recognized two counselors as co‑Counselors of the Year: Cynthia Fernandez, who was praised for her work in alternative education and her lived experience as a former ARC Independent Studies student, and Kayla Raymond, noted for supporting student social and emotional growth at San Lorenzo Middle School and county alternative programs. A student presenter described Fernandez’s steady presence and the ways she helps students feel “seen and heard.”
Classified Employee of the Year went to Emily Tatro, student information manager at Linscott Charter School; the nominator described Tatro’s day‑to‑day role in welcoming families, connecting students to resources, and sometimes transporting students so they can attend school. Marina Maldonado was named Administrator of the Year for her leadership as an academic coordinator in Pajaro Valley Unified.
Cabrillo College accepted the Community Partner of the Year award. President Jen Kaps, speaking on behalf of the college, thanked the county office and highlighted long‑standing collaborations — dual enrollment, career‑education pathways and countywide programs — that the college and the county have run together.
Board members offered brief comments of thanks and congratulations; the board and honorees took photos and the county invited guests to refreshments following the recognition.
