Lake Chelan School District Announces Employees of the Year

On Monday April 11th, the Lake Chelan School District announced their 2021-2022 Employees of the Year at the Annual All Staff Breakfast.  The District recognizes both a classified and a certificated employee each year.  Employees are nominated by colleagues and district administrators.  Awards are based on four main criteria:

  • Work Performance
  • School / Community Involvement
  • Leadership
  • Service that goes above and beyond

This year, the certificated category drew 18 nominations on behalf of 13 teachers.  April Slagle, CHS Science teacher and Department Head was this year’s Certificated Employee of the Year.  April has been with the Lake Chelan School District for the past six years.  Some of the reasons her colleagues believe she is worthy of this award include her passionate and innovative approach to her teaching both in the classroom and through her Chelan Project club program; her strong belief in inclusivity which draws her students in while her compassion and high expectations inspire their loyalty; she is student centered and has a tenacity for excellence in all that she does.  Above all, April goes above and beyond for her students.

On the classified side of the district, 23 nominations were submitted on behalf of 15 classified employees.  Jocelyn Reeves, Head Cook at the Middle/High School and Veronica Ruiz, District Migrant Student Advocate were this year co-winners.

Jocelyn is in her 9th year in the Food Service department and is currently the head cook at Chelan MS/HS.  Jocelyn has led the District through one of the most challenging positions over the course of the pandemic.  Dealing with the constant changing of government regulations, labor and supply issues and myriad of other barriers has been challenging to say the least. In spite of it all, she has led with confidence, flexibility, and grace.  And in the end, our students did not miss a meal!

Veronica Ruiz, is a former CHS graduate and in a very short period of time has proved her worth and value. Rarely does an employee receive such recognition after working only 2 years for the District.  In her role as student advocate, Vero has earned immense respect from the families she serves and the entire district staff.  Her soft-spoken nature makes one feel heard, valued, and appreciated.  She is tenacious in finding ways to get families the support they need regardless of the of the barriers.  She willingly gives up her time to benefit others on a daily basis.

The Lake Chelan School District is both thankful and proud to recognize these outstanding employees.

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