LAS VEGAS (Oct. 5, 2020) – Legacy Traditional Schools, a public and tuition-free network of K-8 charter schools, recognized sixth-grade teacher Olimpia Paredes as Teacher of the Year with a surprise celebration on World Teachers’ Day.
Paredes, now in her second year as a teacher at Legacy’s North Valley (North Las Vegas) campus, dedicates her award to her students and their tremendous growth, in and outside of the classroom. Additionally, Paredes’ made a tremendous impact on student growth of English Language Learners, and students attending before- and after-school Community Education programs.
“It is such an honor to be recognized as Teacher of the Year for simply doing what I love,” said Paredes. “My passion truly comes from my students and the privilege to witness their daily academic and personal accomplishments.”
In addition, Legacy honored the Southwest campus’ Front Office Secretary Pattey Guevara as Staff of the Year. Colleagues say that Guevara brightens the school lobby and is the first smile anyone sees when entering the school. Guevara has been involved with the Southwest campus since it began construction and continues to be instrumental in the daily functions of the school.
“Watching the Southwest campus evolve into a supportive and thriving campus community continues to be one of the most inspiring things about my job,” said Guevara. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Legacy community for doing what I find genuinely fulfilling and life-affirming.”
Each recipient and honoree was recognized by their peers and colleagues for their exemplary dedication to student success in and out of the classroom.
“Our teachers and staff have been working extensively to keep our community moving and learning through a difficult transition,” said Jennifer Hackett, deputy superintendent of Legacy Traditional Schools – Nevada. “This year’s recipients and honorees embody the Legacy values as they continue to go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and their families.”
Below is the full list of additional honorees and their submitted peer recognition:
· Michael Erickson – Cadence Teacher
o Mr. Erickson gives 110 percent to everything he does. He is instrumental in the Mozart program here at Cadence and has brought his love of the performing arts not only to our school but to all our students and families. In addition to his contributions to the music program, Mr. Erickson is a true cheerleader for everything we do here at Legacy. He is a team player who cares about our students and is always focused on supporting our school in any way that he can.
· Kalen Poe – Cadence Staff Member
o Mr. Poe is a self-starter who can see things that need to get done before anyone else sees them. He is flexible, easy-going, and always available. He leads his team by example resulting in a highly effective facility staff. Our school is beautiful and that is because of Mr. Poe. In addition, he sees past his scope of responsibilities and takes on the role of supporting students in any way he can, all to support our school.
· Christopher Olmstead – Southwest Teacher
o Chris goes above and beyond the call of duty. He has become someone that we all depend on for various things! Chris is the LKC lead, a sports coach, and is the chair for the student council and the National Junior Honor Society. He also MCs all SWLV school events and was chosen to sportscast the city-wide basketball playoffs games because of his talents. We are proud of Chris’ first year accomplishments.
· Glenn Bianco – North Valley Staff Member
o Mr. Bianco goes above and beyond each day. He is dedicated to the safety and well-being of everyone on and around campus. From Driveline, lunch supervision, or responding to a call for assistance, Glenn gives North Valley his all. He provides leadership to his team and invaluable reassurance to our staff.
About Legacy Traditional Schools
Legacy Traditional Schools believes there is no limit to what a student can achieve with a great education. Our non-profit network of tuition-free, A-rated public charter schools was founded on this principle, and it underlies our mission to educate lifelong learners and develop engaged citizens. Every Legacy Traditional School features a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes all areas of academic study, including the arts, physical education, and extensive athletics and extracurricular activities. In 2020-21, we are educating more than 23,000 students across 19 campuses in Arizona (Greater Phoenix, northwest Tucson, Maricopa and Casa Grande) and Nevada (North Las Vegas, Southwest Las Vegas and Henderson). Learn more at www.legacytraditional.org.
###
PRESS CONTACT
Maddie Skains, MassMedia
mskains@massmediacc.com
702-433-4331