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News Release

Toppenish School District Announces 2026 Employees Of The Year - 06/04/26

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Toppenish School District is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Employee of the Year honors. Following a district-wide nomination and voting process, Chantel Ramirez of Valley View Elementary School has been selected as the 2026 Educator of the Year, and Jessie Lustre of Toppenish High School has been named the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year.

 

The annual Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding staff members who demonstrate excellence, dedication, and a commitment to student success. Throughout the school year, building principals select Employees of the Month who exemplify the district's monthly character traits. Staff members at each school then vote to select their building's Employee of the Year finalists. These finalists advance to a district-wide voting process that includes students, staff, families, and community members, celebrating the exceptional contributions made by employees across Toppenish School District.

 

As a third-grade teacher at Valley View Elementary School, Chantel Ramirez is recognized for creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported. In addition to her classroom instruction, Ramirez is known for her commitment to serving families and strengthening school-community connections through service projects, student-centered activities, and outreach efforts that extend beyond the school day.

 

To Mrs. Ramirez teaching is more than just making sure kids learn content. It's about knowing them and creating relationships with students and their familis. In her Employee of the Year nomination materials she shared. “Teaching allows me to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside of the classroom. I became a teacher because I understand how important it is for children to feel seen, encouraged, and believed in. Creating a classroom where every child feels valued, capable, and supported is at the heart of everything I do. I love being able to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that help students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and real world connections while developing a love for learning. Beyond academics, I work to build strong relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community while creating opportunities that help students feel connected, celebrated, and successful. Whether through community service projects, school wide traditions, or supporting families in need, I want every student to know that school can be a place of joy, belonging, and opportunity. Creating a lasting impact and creating core memories that students will remember long after they leave my classroom is the most rewarding part of my job.”

 

Jessie Lustre's selection as Classified Employee of the Year highlights the invaluable role classified staff play in supporting students, staff, and school operations. Through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service, Lustre exemplifies the positive impact classified employees have on creating welcoming and successful learning environments for all students. Jessie shared, “I enjoy working closely with students, staff, coaches, and families each day. Being involved with ASB and athletics allows me to support students, encourage school spirit, and help create positive experiences and memories for our students throughout the school year.”

 

“Both Chantel and Jessie represent the very best of Toppenish School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Toron Wooldridge. “Their dedication to students, families, colleagues, and our community reflects the heart of our district. We are honored to recognize their outstanding contributions and the difference they make every day.”

 

Ramirez and Lustre will be formally recognized during the Toppenish School District Retirement & Recognition Banquet on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Legends Casino. Community members wishing to attend the event may purchase tickets through the District Office. Ticket sales will close on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

 

Additional information about the Employee of the Year program, nominees, and finalists can be found at www.toppenish.wednet.edu/eoy2026.

Toppenish School District Announces 2026 Employees Of The Year - 06/04/26

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Toppenish School District is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Employee of the Year honors. Following a district-wide nomination and voting process, Chantel Ramirez of Valley View Elementary School has been selected as the 2026 Educator of the Year, and Jessie Lustre of Toppenish High School has been named the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year.

 

The annual Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding staff members who demonstrate excellence, dedication, and a commitment to student success. Throughout the school year, building principals select Employees of the Month who exemplify the district's monthly character traits. Staff members at each school then vote to select their building's Employee of the Year finalists. These finalists advance to a district-wide voting process that includes students, staff, families, and community members, celebrating the exceptional contributions made by employees across Toppenish School District.

 

As a third-grade teacher at Valley View Elementary School, Chantel Ramirez is recognized for creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported. In addition to her classroom instruction, Ramirez is known for her commitment to serving families and strengthening school-community connections through service projects, student-centered activities, and outreach efforts that extend beyond the school day.

 

To Mrs. Ramirez teaching is more than just making sure kids learn content. It's about knowing them and creating relationships with students and their familis. In her Employee of the Year nomination materials she shared. “Teaching allows me to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside of the classroom. I became a teacher because I understand how important it is for children to feel seen, encouraged, and believed in. Creating a classroom where every child feels valued, capable, and supported is at the heart of everything I do. I love being able to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that help students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and real world connections while developing a love for learning. Beyond academics, I work to build strong relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community while creating opportunities that help students feel connected, celebrated, and successful. Whether through community service projects, school wide traditions, or supporting families in need, I want every student to know that school can be a place of joy, belonging, and opportunity. Creating a lasting impact and creating core memories that students will remember long after they leave my classroom is the most rewarding part of my job.”

 

Jessie Lustre's selection as Classified Employee of the Year highlights the invaluable role classified staff play in supporting students, staff, and school operations. Through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service, Lustre exemplifies the positive impact classified employees have on creating welcoming and successful learning environments for all students. Jessie shared, “I enjoy working closely with students, staff, coaches, and families each day. Being involved with ASB and athletics allows me to support students, encourage school spirit, and help create positive experiences and memories for our students throughout the school year.”

 

“Both Chantel and Jessie represent the very best of Toppenish School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Toron Wooldridge. “Their dedication to students, families, colleagues, and our community reflects the heart of our district. We are honored to recognize their outstanding contributions and the difference they make every day.”

 

Ramirez and Lustre will be formally recognized during the Toppenish School District Retirement & Recognition Banquet on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Legends Casino. Community members wishing to attend the event may purchase tickets through the District Office. Ticket sales will close on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

 

Additional information about the Employee of the Year program, nominees, and finalists can be found at www.toppenish.wednet.edu/eoy2026.