(above) Celebrating two excellent teachers at Tony E. Quintana Elementary School in Española: LANL Foundation ISEC Program Manager Bryan Maestas, LANLF Grants Manager Sylvan Argo, Centerra-Los Alamos Director of Business Management Graig Newell, bilingual education teacher and award winner Hazel Linda Miller, LANLF President & CEO Jenny Parks, Tony E. Quintana Elementary School Principal Sherri Rodriguez, Centerra-Los Alamos General Manager Lennie Upshaw, Española Public Schools Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez, Deputy Superintendent Denise Johnston, 6th grade teacher and award winner Danita Quintana and daughter, and LANLF K-12 Professional Development Coordinator Doris Rivera
Bringing Encouragement & Support to the Education Profession, Celebrating Outstanding Teachers in Rio Arriba County & Pojoaque School District
Teachers have the power to change lives, and the most passionate and dedicated teachers change many lives. Despite sometimes challenging circumstances, a lack of recognition and low pay, teachers give their all, personally and professionally year after year, frequently volunteering time and even their money to make certain their students have the support they need. The impact of educators often extends beyond the classroom as they mentor and inspire other teachers and take on leadership roles in their school and district.
For the fourth year, the LANL Foundation and Centerra-Los Alamos, the Laboratory’s protective force contractor, have honored teachers who go above and beyond with the Excellence in Teaching Awards. The co-sponsoring organizations initiated the award in 2016 to bring encouragement and support to the education profession that faces high turnover, burnout and underfunding. A record, 33 teachers were nominated this year by current and former students, teachers, administrators and other colleagues.
“We established this award with the LANL Foundation because there are many excellent teachers is this area who don’t get all the recognition they deserve,” said Lennie Upshaw, General Manager for Centerra-Los Alamos. “Teachers are such a critical part of our society, educating our students and preparing the future leaders of our community. We’re here to thank them.”
The 2019 winners of the Rio Arriba County & Pojoaque Excellence in Teaching Award are:
Richard Amora, 9th–12th grade math teacher at Escalante Middle-High School
Tobe Bott-Lyons, 12th grade Upward Bound teacher at Española Valley High School
Jolene Martin, 11th-12th grade English teacher at Pojoaque Valley High School
Hazel Linda Miller, bilingual education teacher at Tony E. Quintana Elementary School
Alicia Gonzales, 8th grade teacher at Pojoaque Valley Middle School
Danita Quintana, 6th grade teacher at Tony E. Quintana Elementary School
Danielle Seaboy, 8th grade English teacher at Pojoaque Valley Middle School
To be eligible, teachers must have taught at their current K–12 public, Tribal or charter school in Rio Arriba County or Pojoaque for at least three years. Each nominee’s impact on his or her school, students and community, leadership qualities, cultivation of positive culture and inspiration of lifelong learning in others are considered. Invited community members and staff from both sponsoring organizations evaluate nominees and select winners from information provided. Winners were announced during surprise assemblies at each school.
For additional information, please contact Doris Rivera at doris@lanlfoundation.org or 505-753-8890.
Escalante High School Counselor’s Secretary Felecia Martinez, 9th–12th grade math teacher and award winner Richard Amora, Principal Gregory Marez, School Counselor Anna Atencio, and School Secretary Cleo Valdez
Española Valley High School 12th grade Upward Bound teacher and award winner Tobe Bott-Lyons with Principal Victoria Gonzales, students and staff.
Pojoaque Valley High School Principal Jennifer Baca, 11th-12th grade English teacher and award winner Jolene Martin, Assistant Principal Terry Burks, LANL Foundation ISEC Program Manager Bryan Maestas, and Centerra-Los Alamos General Manager Lennie Upshaw
Tony E. Quintana Elementary School 6th grade teacher and award winner Danita Quintana receives her awards from LANLF Grants Manager Sylvan Argo, announced by LANLF President & CEO Jenny Parks.
Tony E. Quintana Elementary School bilingual education teacher and award winner Hazel Linda Miller expresses gratitude to her students and colleagues and for the award.
Pojoaque Middle School Principal Mario Vigil, 8th grade teachers and award winners Alicia Gonzales and Danielle Seaboy, and Pojoaque Valley acting Superintendent Sondra Adams with the 8th grade class
