The following employees were selected to receive the December Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the December 2025 school board meeting.
Employees are recognized between October and June of each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
In addition to awardees chosen by the peer nomination and Excellence Awards committee voting process, the Board of Directors may recognize recipients who have been nominated by the Superintendent’s Cabinet for demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to VPS students and their families.
Ruth Alvarez
Spanish Interpreter/Spanish Family Language Liaison
Ruth Alvarez, Spanish Interpreter/Translator and Bilingual Family Liaison, consistently demonstrates incredible kindness, professionalism, and an amazing work ethic. Her dedication is a direct reflection of our core values—integrity and community—creating a huge positive impact on our students, families, and staff.
These exceptional qualities are highlighted in the nominations she received: “Ruth is one of the most caring, dedicated, and hard-working individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role, approaching every task with compassion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help others.”
Ruth’s commitment to our community is undeniable. She frequently extends her efforts beyond the school day, connecting with families at school and community events to ensure they receive vital support. Her persistence and success in removing communication barriers is truly exceptional. Thank you, Ruth.
Andrea Franklund Flick
1st Grade Teacher at VITA Elementary
For over 20 years, Andrea Franklund Flick, a first-grade teacher at VITA Elementary, has been an exceptional force in education. Andrea has a unique gift for fostering a powerful love of learning and cultivating a deep sense of belonging in every child she teaches.
Parents describe her as a “dream teacher” who “exudes kindness and belonging with her big smile, warm hugs, gentle words, and incredible patience.” This profound care is matched by her ability to inspire young minds. Andrea masterfully infuses real-world examples into her lessons, sparking creativity and encouraging students to pursue their own interests. Following a lesson on “upcycling,” for example, one student was so inspired they went home and created a paper prototype of a robotic dog made from recycled materials.
Andrea creates a vibrant classroom community and strong partnership with her student’s families. She views parents as key partners, communicating with them often and actively encouraging their involvement in their child’s learning. Her dedication to nurturing her student’s growth is lasting and profound. As one nominator summarizes, Mrs. Flick “puts wind in their sails to grow into confident little people.” Thank you, Andrea.
Connie Hogan
Associate Principal at Truman Elementary
We’re thrilled to celebrate Connie Hogan, Associate Principal at Truman Elementary, with an Employee Excellence Award. Connie has served VPS for over 20 years, bringing expertise, warmth, and commitment to every role she has held.
Her nominator shares, “Connie is the embodiment of lifelong learning. She approaches each day with curiosity and reflection, modeling for both students and colleagues what it means to grow with purpose. … As a teammate and leader, Connie is constantly looking for ways to improve outcomes for both students and staff. Whether she’s mentoring a new teacher, collaborating on instructional practices, or problem-solving to support a struggling student, she brings insight, compassion, and professionalism to every situation. …
Her advocacy for students is deeply felt—she ensures that every child is seen, valued, and supported to reach their full potential … Connie makes an effort to get to know each student personally. Not only does she greet them in the morning by name, but she takes the time to get to know them as people and learners. One of the reasons students have a smile on their faces as they enter Truman in the morning is they know Mrs. Hogan will be there to greet them.” Thank you, Connie.
Bobbie Lowe
Teacher Librarian at Discovery and Gaiser Middle Schools
Bobbie Lowe, Teacher Librarian at Gaiser and Discovery Middle Schools, has had an outstanding school-wide impact, transforming both libraries into vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive hubs for students and staff alike.
She has completely reimagined the spaces, filling them with comfortable reading nooks and offering engaging games and art supplies – in addition to a wide, exciting selection of books. Her efforts have made the library the place to be, and the number of students seeking to spend time there has skyrocketed.
Bobbie is dedicated to making every student feel seen. She has “worked tirelessly to bring resources… that are inclusive, representative, and healthy examples for our students to see,” ensuring she meets diverse needs through varied languages and books for readers of all abilities.
As one nominator noted: “Bobbie has turned our media center into the beating heart of our school and we are incredibly lucky to have her.” Thank you, Bobbie.
Jose Nava-Montes
DRO at Hudson’s Bay High School
Jose Nava-Montes, DRO at Hudson’s Bay, consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on everyone around him. Every morning, he welcomes students with a bright smile, instantly setting a positive and inclusive tone for the day. His approachable and friendly manner makes students feel comfortable seeking his help, whether they need direction, guidance, or simply a listening ear.
In his role as a DRO, Jose plays a vital part in maintaining a safe and secure school environment. His proactive presence and sharp attention to detail help ensure the safety of all students and staff, allowing everyone to focus completely on learning.
Jose is also a wrestling coach at Jason Lee Middle School and helps mentor athletes at Hudson’s Bay High School. Through coaching, Jose instills essential values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, providing lessons that help students grow not only as athletes but as individuals prepared for life’s challenges.
As his nominator shares, “Jose’s commitment to safety, mentorship, and community reflects his integrity and passion for supporting every student’s success. He truly embodies the spirit of excellence, making a lasting difference both inside and outside the classroom.” Thank you, Jose.