The following employees were selected to receive the December Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the December 2024 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.
Josephine Ely
Counselor at Roosevelt Elementary
Josephine Ely, a counselor at Roosevelt Elementary, is being recognized for her extraordinary dedication to student well-being. From advocating for student safety and engagement to lending a hand during lunchtime, Josephine consistently goes the extra mile for our students and families. Her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment is evident in her efforts to improve systems across the school to ensure that each student feels like they are supported and that they belong. Her nominator shares, “Josey’s efforts have significantly enriched our school environment, making her truly deserving of this award.” Thank you, Josephine.
Anne Kizerian
Chemistry Teacher at Fort Vancouver High School
Anne Kizerian, chemistry teacher at Fort Vancouver High School is an academic force, a compassionate mentor, and a longtime member of the Fort Vancouver community. A seasoned educator, Anne previously earned this honor in 2014, and this year’s nomination from a student underscores her enduring impact. She demands the best from her students, but she also gives her best to them. Her rigorous teaching style challenges them to grow, while her compassionate heart ensures they never feel alone or unsupported. Through her guidance, students develop not only a deep understanding of chemistry but also essential life skills like organization and time management. Her nominator shares, “I learned more from her then I have from any other teacher, ever.” Thank you, Anne.
Teresa Luse
Secretary at VITA Elementary
Teresa Luse, secretary at VITA Elementary, is the first face you see when entering the school and makes any family or visitor feel instantly welcomed. Teresa effortlessly juggles the responsibilities of the front office, always with kindness, compassion, and a smile. Her nominator, a parent whose child has special needs, shared a heartfelt testimonial about Teresa’s exceptional care and attention, stating, “She is a one woman band and I can’t begin to express my gratitude toward her.” Teresa’s ability to empathize and understand the unique needs of each student is a testament to her compassion and commitment. We are incredibly fortunate to have Teresa as a part of the VITA community. Her positive impact on our students, families, and staff is immeasurable. Thank you, Teresa.
Kari Smith
Kindergarten Teacher at Hough Elementary
Kari Smith, a kindergarten teacher at Hough Elementary for over two decades, has received the highest possible praise from a parent: “My daughter can’t wait to go to school!” Kari infuses her classroom with kindness and creativity, ensuring that every interaction and activity is meaningful and fun for her students. One particularly memorable example from her nominator is “Apple Friday,” a special learning day this fall where students explored apples through art, tasting, and science experiments. This innovative approach demonstrates Kari’s commitment to fostering a love of learning. Kari is also an exceptional communicator, regularly sharing updates about her students’ progress and learning experiences. Her dedication to transparency and collaboration strengthens the partnership between home and school. Thank you, Kari.
William Harris
Bus Driver
William Harris is a dedicated bus driver and valued member of our Transportation team. While on his way to the bus barn one day, William’s nominator, DRO Jim Goss, saw him take the initiative to clean up several handfuls of litter on the sidewalk. This small act of kindness speaks volumes about his character and work ethic. William's commitment to his workplace and community goes above and beyond the call of duty, and his actions exemplify integrity—doing the right thing, even when (you think) no one is watching. As his nominator shares, “sometimes it’s the little things that matter the most.” Thank you, William.
