On May 20 the stars were in alignment for three individuals who received top honors from the San Elizario Independent School District. Close to 100 guests celebrated the accomplishments of the employee, elementary teacher and secondary teacher of the year nominees at the district’s annual Star Recognition Banquet. The event was held on a perfect spring evening at the Lancers Club where Board President Irene D. Jaquez announced the names of the three winners. Receiving district-wide honors for their stellar performances were: Jose Maese – Employee of the Year, Melanie Mendez - Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Perla Andujo – Secondary Teacher of the Year.

A total of 13 nominees were recognized for demonstrating dedication and excellence at their campus or department during the 2009-2010 school year. Among this select group of candidates, the three winners chosen excelled in five particular selection criteria which were: reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and uniqueness of contribution.

Employee of the Year Jose Maese has worked as a custodian for the district for the past four years at Sambrano Elementary School. He was recognized for being an employee whose work performance exceeds the call of duty. Maese is an active participant in many extra-curricular functions at the campus such as parent conferences and also proudly serves as a mentor to some of the 4th and 5th grade boys who lack a positive male role model.

Melanie Mendez named Elementary Teacher of the Year has been a teacher at Sambrano Elementary School for the past three years most recently teaching 4th grade level classes. After completing her bachelor’s degree and military service, Mendez applied for a teaching position in her hometown of San Elizario and has been with the district for the last five years. Mendez has also served as a mentor to teaching interns, yearbook sponsor, volleyball, and softball coach and is planning on starting graduate studies in the summer.

Secondary Teacher of the Year Perla Andujo is a composite science teacher at San Elizario High School which means she teaches a variety of courses such as biology, chemistry, and environmental science. With five years of experience as a teacher, Andujo has also participated as new teacher mentor, class co-sponsor, and UIL science coach. She helps students overcome difficulties and understand complex concepts by offering an accommodated tutoring schedule that includes Saturday sessions. Andujo is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.

Mendez and Andujo will now move on to represent the San Elizario Independent School District at the Region 19 Teacher of the Year competition to take place this summer.

The 10 other individuals who were nominated for the district’s highest achievement awards were:

Alicia Canava - Loya Primary School Employee Of the Year
Patricia Soliz - Alarcon Elementary School Employee Of the Year
Rebecca Barrientos - Borrego Elementary School Employee Of the Year
Bernice Barragan - Garcia-Enriquez Middle School Employee Of the Year
Yolanda Urias - San Elizario High School Employee Of the Year
Nancy Swanson - Administration Employee Of the Year
Reina Calderon - Loya Primary School Teacher Of the Year
Cynthia Meza - Alarcon Elementary School Teacher Of the Year
Nancy Torres - Borrego Elementary School Teacher Of the Year
Cynthia Villarreal - Garcia-Enriquez Middle School Teacher Of the Year


All the nominees received a special star-themed award, while the three winners were also presented with the district silver star trophy, a bouquet of roses and an award stipend. Joining Board President Jaquez in announcing the names of the winners were Board Vice-President Ramon Holguin, Trustee Jose Rodriguez, Superintendent Dr. Mike Quatrini, and Assistant Superintendent Sylvia Hopp.