The following employees were selected to receive the January Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the January 2026 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.
Jamie Davis
Accounting Specialist at Fiscal/JPCC
Jamie Davis, Accounting Specialist in our Fiscal department, is a truly deserving recipient of the Employee Excellence Award. Jamie is widely celebrated as an “unbelievable wealth of knowledge on all things fiscal,” serving as a cornerstone of support for business clerks throughout our district. Having previously worked as a building clerk, she brings a unique empathy to her role; as one colleague noted, “She has been an amazing support to all the middle school and high school business office and ASB clerks because she’s been in the trenches and brings that experience to her position.” Jamie is known for her proactive leadership and her ability to build a “united team,” often visiting schools personally to provide hands-on training. Her nominators frequently highlight her selfless nature, stating, “She is always there to roll her sleeves up and dig in, and to add humor and care to any situation.” Whether she is navigating complex audit procedures or helping a new hire find their footing, Jamie’s patience and professionalism remain constant. As her colleagues attest, “Jamie is always exceptionally helpful, approaching every question with a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to problem-solve.” Thank you, Jamie.
Eddie Esparza
Student Advocate at King Elementary
Edward “Eddie” Garcia is a pillar of our district community, having dedicated years of service to our students and staff. A previous recipient of the Excellence Award in 2007, Eddie continues to show an unwavering commitment to every child who walks through our doors.
At King Elementary, Eddie serves as a Student Advocate; working tirelessly to remove barriers to attendance and build a strong sense of community. As one of the first faces students see when they hop off the bus each morning, he sets a positive tone for the entire day. Whether he is greeting children at the curb or running the school’s “cub buck” store, Eddie ensures that every student feels seen, valued, and genuinely cared for.
Eddie’s impact doesn’t end when the school bell rings. As the leader of the “One of a Kind” Drumline, he provides a free, inclusive space where students find their voice and build lasting confidence. To Eddie, drumming is more than just rhythm; it’s a tool for personal growth and peer connection. His colleagues admire him not just for his talent, but for his character, often calling him an “amazing human being” who always lends a hand. Eddie’s years of dedication and his gift for lifting others up and building community are what make our schools feel like home. Thank you, Eddie.
Lindsey Garcia
AVID Instructional Facilitator
Lindsey Garcia is a fierce advocate for student success who translates deep compassion into life-changing action. As the district’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Coordinator, she ensures that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has a clear path toward college. She personally visits every middle school to interview students and works individually with eighth and ninth graders to help them map out their four-year high school journey. Her commitment goes far beyond academics; she is a lifeline for students facing significant challenges, whether she is securing resources for a student experiencing homelessness or helping a family realize that scholarships make college a reality.
In addition to her direct work with students, Lindsey is a vital leader for her colleagues. She leads professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching and supports English Language Learners through the AVID Excel program. By training staff to close opportunity gaps, she has helped create a district-wide “AVID family” where everyone feels they belong. Lindsey doesn’t just care about equity – she works tirelessly to make it happen. Her dedication to championing vulnerable students and supporting her peers makes her a truly exceptional member of our staff. Her impact is perhaps best captured by a recent AVID student who stated, “They wouldn’t have graduated if it wasn’t for AVID.” Thank you, Lindsey.
Linda Smedley
Secretary at Roosevelt Elementary
Linda Smedley is a truly deserving recipient of the Employee Excellence Award, having served the district with distinction for many years. As the secretary at Roosevelt Elementary, she is widely celebrated as the “heart of Roosevelt and the life of the office,” where she creates an environment that makes everyone feel valued the moment they walk through the door. Her colleagues view her as the school’s “engine room,” keeping all the cogs turning and hopping in to assist whenever and wherever it is needed. One nominator shares, “No matter who you are–staff, student or visitor–Linda will help you and make you feel worthy of her attention.”
Linda is known for going above and beyond to support her school community, from hand-delivering classroom snacks to creating inclusive art for the walls. Her over 20 nominators frequently highlight her deep compassion, stating, “She has a unique ability to sense when a student needs extra care, always extending compassion and a kind word to those who require it most.” Whether she is managing a fast-paced office or handling unexpected emergencies, she does so with a “championship attitude” and a sense of humor that brings joy to her peers. As she prepares for her upcoming retirement, her impact is best summarized by those who work with her daily: “She is a force for good here at Roosevelt Elementary” and “the glue that holds us all together.” Linda’s legacy of kindness and professionalism will be felt long after she retires. Thank you, Linda.
Carrie Snellman
Paraeducator at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary
Carrie Snellman, paraeducator at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary, is a vital part of the SJA community, making a difference every day in our classrooms and out on the playground.
As a dedicated paraeducator, Carrie has a special talent for supporting students who face behavioral challenges. She is known for building deep, trusting relationships and encouraging her students to reach their highest potential. Beyond her work in the classroom, she is a true champion for equity; developing a system to make sure all students have equitable access to recess equipment and instilling in them the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Carrie “Kindness” Snellman, as she is called by her nominator, truly leads by example. She has transformed Anderson’s school culture by organizing kindness initiatives and registering the school with national kindness organizations. Her coworkers describe her as a joyful, positive force who brings humor and grace to the workplace every single day.
As one colleague simply put it, “I cannot imagine Anderson without her.” Because of her tireless dedication and the deep trust she has built among staff and students alike, Carrie is incredibly deserving of this honor. Thank you, Carrie.
