2026 Employees of the Year

Alexandra Garcia 

Position: 1st Grade Teacher 

Years of Service: 6

Other Positions Held: N/A

Community Involvement: “During the school year I help out as much as possible with family nights, halloween carnival, and tasks after school to help the building welcome students for a year of excitement and new memories.”

Mrs. Garcia’s Why: “I absolutely love what I do because I enjoy building relationships with the students and families in our community. Coming to work and making connections has helped me support students in their academics and social skills. As a teacher of young students, I strive to ensure they feel loved daily and become confident to try new things. Watching students grow academically and socially absolutely reassures me that I can make a difference. As a former Toppenish alumni, It is so rewarding to have the opportunity to share my love for learning with the same community that helped foster my education as a child.”

Principal Statement:

Mrs. Garcia consistently demonstrates respect in her role as a first grade teacher. She treats all students, families, and colleagues with kindness, patience, and professionalism. Mrs. Garcia creates a welcoming classroom environment where every student feels valued, heard, and supported. She models positive communication and encourages her students to show respect toward one another each day. Her caring approach, willingness to listen, and positive interactions with others make her a wonderful role model for students and a valued member of the Garfield Elementary community.  

Chantel Ramirez 

Position: 3^rd Grade Teacher 

Years of Service: 8

Other Positions Held: Preschool Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher

Community Involvement: “

I organized a community service field trip opportunity for my class at the Toppenish Food Bank. Me and my students had the opportunity to help prepare food boxes for local families. It was such a heart warming experience that quickly became a favorite yearly tradition.  

I am honored to help serve on the Blue Santa Committee by helping connect with businesses throughout the Yakima Valley to provide gifts for students across the entire district and helping ensure the event ran smoothly for our students and staff.

Through DonorsChoose projects, I secured resources that provided food boxes with meals and essential groceries for students and families during holiday breaks. In addition, I support my school by providing food and hygiene products for our school pantry, classroom resources for all staff, and snacks for all of our students.

By collaborating with organizations throughout the community and lower valley, I helped ensure all 500 of our students received a Happy Meal as a part of our school wide “Boo Bucket” tradition, creating a memorable experience for every child.  I work closely with the community to create meaningful experiences that help students feel celebrated, valued, and connected to their school community. I also partnered with local businesses to surprise students with special treats including fresh churros from a local bakery. These experiences help strengthen the connection between our school and the community while creating joyful memories for students and families.”

Mrs. Ramirez’s Why: “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.”

Principal Statement: “ Mrs. Ramirez is dedicated to creating a learning community where every student feels welcomed, valued, and capable of success. She brings creativity and enthusiasm to her teaching, designing engaging lessons that provide unique learning opportunities for her students. She intentionally teaches and reinforces social skills, helping students learn how to work together, solve problems, and build positive relationships. Through classroom jobs and leadership opportunities, students develop a sense of responsibility and ownership for both their classroom environment and their learning. Her commitment to fostering positive relationships and meaningful learning experiences makes a lasting impact on our school community.”

Crystal Carillo

Position: Lead Teacher 

Years of Service: 6

Other Positions Held: Special Education Paraeducator

Community Involvement: “I enjoy participating in school events and activities that support students and families, and I value creating meaningful experiences for children while building strong relationships with families and the community based on trust, respect, and collaboration.”

Mrs. Carillo’s Why:  “I love being a preschool teacher because I have the opportunity to help young children learn, grow, and build confidence every day. I enjoy creating a caring and positive classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, loved, and excited to learn. One of my favorite parts of teaching is using hands-on learning activities that encourage children to explore, create, and learn through play and meaningful experiences.

Watching my students reach important milestones, become more independent, and develop essential life skills is the most rewarding part of my job. I strive to ensure that every child leaves my classroom feeling confident and kindergarten ready.”

Principal Statement: “Mrs. Carrillo was recognized for her courage because, despite facing significant and difficult changes within her classroom, she continues to show up each day with unwavering professionalism, grace, and a smile. Through every challenge, she consistently demonstrates love, kindness, and respect toward her students and families, never allowing struggles to overshadow the care and support she provides. Her strength, resilience, and steady courage make a lasting impact on everyone around her.”

Judy Miller 

Position:  1st Grade Teacher 

Years of Service: 15

Other Positions Held:  Kindergarten teacher, Mentor

Community Involvement: “Outside of school, I enjoy supporting my family and community by attending and participating in my grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. I also help care for and assist my mother with her daily needs.”

Mrs. Miller’s Why: “

Teaching has been my passion since I was a child, and I truly believe the work we do as educators has a lifelong impact on every student who walks through our classroom doors. Being a first-grade teacher is about so much more than teaching children how to read, write, and solve math problems. It is about helping shape confident, kind, resilient, and capable individuals who believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Each day, I strive to leave a positive imprint on every child by creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, supported, and loved. I want my students to develop a love for learning, a love for themselves, and compassion and respect for others. I work to teach them that mistakes are part of learning, that perseverance matters, and that even when things feel difficult, they can continue pushing forward and striving to do their best.

I hope every child who leaves my classroom knows they are important, capable, and never alone. Watching students grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year is one of the greatest rewards of teaching, and it is an honor to be part of the foundation that helps shape their future.”

Principal Statement: “Mrs. Miller is an exceptional educator who consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of her students and a strong commitment to their success. She creates an engaging and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, participate actively, and take ownership of their learning.

Through her ability to monitor student understanding and adjust instruction in real time, Mrs. Miller ensures that all students are supported and challenged. Her dedication to excellence, strong relationships with students, and positive impact on student achievement make her highly deserving of recognition as a Teacher of the Year finalist.”

Maria Williams 

Position: School Counselor

Years of Service: 11

Other Positions Held: 

Community Involvement: Mrs. William’s enjoys giving back to her community by supporting local events and family outreach activities. 

Mrs. Williams’s Why: “My favorite thing about being a school counselor is having the opportunity to positively support and guide students when they need it the most. I love being able to help students strengthen their self-confidence, develop effective coping and problem-solving skills, and achieve personal and emotional growth. It is incredibly rewarding to have a career that allows me to help students, and connect families with valuable resources and services.”

Melanie Thramer 

Position:  6^th Grade STEM Math Teacher & 7^th Grade CTE Teacher

Years of Service: 4

Other Positions Held: 8^th Grade CTE STEM Science

Community Involvement: Co-advisor of the TMS HOSA Club (Future Medical Professionals) for 3 years, Dance Team Coach

Mrs. Thramer’s Why: “I will never forget at the end of my interview, I asked Mr. Saldivar what his favorite part was about the Toppenish School District. He told me that Toppenish has the best kids, and they are the best part of this district. After being here for four years, I can confidently say he was right. His response is why I wanted this job, and the students are why I can't see myself anywhere else. Toppenish students are some of the brightest, funniest, and creative kids in the valley. Go Cats!”

Rigo Gonzalez

Position: CTE Business Teacher 

Years of Service: 14

Other Positions Held:  Paraprofessional 2011-2015, Parapro/recruiter 2015-2018, TSI Site Supervisor 2013-2022, JV/C Baseball Assistant Coach 2022-2026

Community Involvement: Co-advisor for DECA, & ASB at CATS. Assist in organizing school fundraisers. Chaperoning dances, trips, or extracurricular events. Volunteer at our church festivals.

Mr. Gonzalez’s Why: “I enjoy building relationships with students and helping prepare them for success beyond high school.”

Principal Statement: “It gives me great satisfaction to write this statement on behalf of Mr. Rigo Gonzalez, who is a teacher at CATS.  Mr. Gonzalez is a teacher who puts students first, no matter what. He can adjust pacing based on evidence, not the calendar. I have been impressed by how he can add intervention blocks and small group support for students. Mr. Gonzalez embraces a Constructivist pedagogy that emphasizes active discovery learning on the part of the students. All his lessons are designed to have students learning through doing: trial – and error, solving problems, and creating solutions. One example of a teaching strategy by Mr. Gonzalez that stands out for me is the guided practice or “I do, we do, you do” method. This approach starts with the teacher modeling a practice but involves the gradual release of responsibility to the student until the student can undertake tasks on their own. This helps with high standards and high expectations by promoting a growth mindset.”

Seth Panattoni 

Position: Teacher of Government and History 

Years of Service:  6

Other Positions Held:  N/A

Community Involvement: Seth likes being a coach for his kids' sports teams: baseball, softball, soccer. He also serves on the Aviation Day group that is attempting to bring the Yakima Airshow back to the valley to enhance tourism. This is our 3rd year running - come out to the airport on June 6th to see our work!

Mr. Panattoni’s Why: “It allows me to have fun and let my creative juices flow, while also molding the minds of the next generations. I love watching kids who come in hating my content area, leave enjoying, if not most of the class, some of our more engaging projects. I love learning, and students are always good for a piece of knowledge that I did not know previously. Lastly, it allows me to meet and collaborate with some of the best people in our communities.”

Principal Statement: “Seth Panattoni is an exceptional educator whose passion for history is evident in every aspect of his teaching. He has a remarkable ability to make both work and learning fun, engaging students and colleagues alike through his energy, creativity, and enthusiasm. Seth is an innovative lesson planner who consistently designs meaningful learning experiences that bring history to life and inspire curiosity in his students. Beyond the classroom, he is a respected leader among the staff and a positive culture builder within our school community. Seth’s willingness to collaborate, encourage others, and contribute to a supportive and engaging environment makes a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. His dedication to excellence, innovation, and school culture truly exemplifies the qualities of District Certificated Staff of the Year.”

Angelina Norman 

Position: Paraprofessional

Years of Service: 5

Other Positions Held: 

Community Involvement: “

I have supported PBIS initiatives and have helped with various school events and activities. I enjoy contributing to a positive school culture and working alongside staff to support students and families.”

Ms. Norman’s Why: “I enjoy working with young children and being part of their early learning journey. I care about my students and take pride in creating a positive, supportive environment where they can learn and grow. It is rewarding to help children build confidence, develop new skills, and reach important milestones. I value being a dependable member of our school community and supporting both students and staff each day.”

Principal Statement: “Miss Norman was selected as Classified Staff of the Month for her outstanding respect and dedication to others. No matter the role she steps into, she consistently leads with kindness, professionalism, and a willingness to help wherever needed. Her flexibility and commitment to ensuring students receive the support they need do not go unnoticed, and her positive impact is felt throughout our entire school community.”

Araceli Gonzalez 

Position: Paraprofessional

Years of Service: 6

Other Positions Held: Paraprofessional (Early Learning Center)

Principal Statement: “Araceli Gonzalez is an outstanding member of our school community who consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting students, families, and staff. She approaches every responsibility with a positive attitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of others.

Through her collaborative spirit, strong relationships, and dependable service, Araceli has a positive impact on our school each day. Her dedication to students and commitment to excellence make her highly deserving of recognition as a Classified Employee of the Year finalist.”

Carolina Rosas 

Position:  Attendance Clerk

Years of Service: 4 

Other Positions Held: N/A

Community Involvement: In addition to her school role, she works at the Safe Haven Community Center with middle school and high school students. Through programs, daily support, and mentorship, she has the opportunity to build meaningful connections while serving and supporting the community.

Mrs. Rosas’ Why: “Through my attendance position and my receptionist responsibilities, there are daily opportunities to help families, support students, and ensure everyone feels welcomed and cared for at Kirkwood. Connecting with parents and students each day makes the work meaningful.”

Eva Rodriguez 

Position: General Clerk 

Years of Service: 27 

Other Positions Held: State and Federal Programs General Clerk (2010-2012)

Community Involvement: 

Mrs. Rodriguez’s Why: “For 27 years, I have enjoyed working as a Toppenish School District employee because it has
given me the opportunity to serve students, support families, and make a positive difference in
my community. Each day brings new experiences, meaningful relationships, and the joy of
helping students learn and grow.

I am thankful for the friendships with coworkers, the trust of parents, and the many memories
created over the years. Working in a school environment has taught me patience, compassion
and dedication. Even through challenges, it has been rewarding to know that my work has
impacted the lives of so many students.

I can truly say that my job has been more than just work – it has been a blessing and a ministry
of service to others.”

Jessie Lustre 

Position: Administrative Secretary – ASB & Athletics

Years of Service: 8

Other Positions Held: Attendance Clerk

Community Involvement: “ love to volunteer at Calvary Chapel Toppenish, where I serve alongside my husband, the Youth Pastor, supporting youth and children’s ministry programs. I also stay involved in supporting my kids through school-related activities and events.“

Mrs. Lustre’s Why: “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.”

Principal Statement: “Jessie Lustre exemplifies what it means to be a true team player. In her role as ASB/Athletics Secretary, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students, staff, coaches, families, and colleagues in every way possible. Jessie has a unique ability to make others feel valued, welcomed, and supported, creating positive relationships throughout our school community. Her efficiency and organizational skills are unmatched, allowing her to manage countless responsibilities with professionalism, accuracy, and grace. Beyond her exceptional work ethic, Jessie’s positive attitude and steady presence have a meaningful influence on those around her. She leads through service, kindness, and commitment, and our school is stronger because of her dedication each and every day.”

Norma Luna 

Position: Admin Secretary

Years of Service: 4

Other Positions Held: Front Office Clerk

Community Involvement: Volunteer with Toppenish National Night Out & Clean Up Day

Mrs. Luna’s Why: “ I love what I do because every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s day.”

Principal Statement: “Mrs. Luna has been an office extraordinaire all year long. She warmly welcomes families, students, and staff, and always seems to know just how to help when a challenge arises. Whether she's solving problems, answering questions, or stepping in when needed, Norma has a way of saving the day with a smile. Her patience, exceptional customer service, and dedication help ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and supported. “

Sandra Torres

Position: Paraprofessional

Years of Service: 26

Other Positions Held: Has worked at Kirkwood, Toppenish Early Learning Center and Garfield

Community Involvement: Volunteers for the nursing home and animal shelters

Mrs. Torres’ Why: “I love my job for several reasons. I love to see the growth students make and I love to see the excitement in her students' eyes and their smiles when they learn something new, and when they see they how much they have improved.”

Principal Statement: “Mrs. Torres consistently demonstrates responsibility through her dedication, reliability, and strong support of students and staff. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and is always willing to assist wherever needed. Mrs. Torres works hard to ensure students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, creating a caring and productive learning environment. She is dependable, follows through on tasks, and handles her responsibilities with professionalism and care. Her commitment to helping students succeed and supporting the school community makes her an outstanding example of responsibility at Garfield Elementary.”

Stacie Arambula 

Position: Administrative Secretary

Years of Service: 7

Other Positions Held: Paraeducator, Substitute

Community Involvement: 

Mrs. Arambula’s Why: “Since joining the district in 2018, I have discovered that working in education is more than a job — it is an opportunity to make a
lasting difference in the lives of young people.

What I love most about my work is seeing students grow in confidence, overcome challenges,
and realize their potential. Being part of their journey is both rewarding and inspiring, and it
reminds me every day why I chose this path.”

Principal Statement: “I am writing to formally recognize Mrs. Stacie Arambula outstanding performance and dedication as an administrative professional within the Toppenish School District organization. Mrs. Stacie Arambula is consistent commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed.

Throughout the two years that I have known Stacie, she has demonstrated remarkable skills in customer service to the Toppenish School District families, showcasing her ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.  Her attention to detail, organizational abilities, and proactive approach have significantly contributed to the success of our team at CATS.

Moreover, her excellent communication and interpersonal skills foster a positive work environment, making it easier for colleagues to collaborate and achieve common goals.”