(l-r) Student of the Year: Isabella Palazuelos, Fillmore High School, Classified Employee of the Year: Amelia Dominguez, Teacher of the Year: Marsha Sisolak, Administrator of the Year: Beverly Garnica. Congratulations are in order for Fillmore’s Student and Employees of the Year. Each of the honorees are to be commended for the positive impact they have made on the Fillmore Unified School District. Thank you for your dedicated service and outstanding performance. The Board of Trustees looks forward to a future opportunity to recognize the honorees at a regular board meeting.
Student of the Year
Isabella Palazuelos, Fillmore High School
Fillmore HS Principal, John Wilber, shared: “Isabella is the number one ranked student in the Fillmore High School Class of 2020 with a cumulative 4.51 Grade Point Average and is the first Fillmore High School National Merit Scholar in memory. This is quite incredible when you take into account Isabella's involvement in school activities and sports. Isabella does not merely participate in her sports and activities, but she is a leader and an exceptional performer in all that she does. Finally, her peers and the staff at Fillmore High School respect Isabella as a student of the highest integrity.”
Teacher of the Year
Marsha Sisolak
Marsha is a First Grade Teacher at Rio Vista Elementary, and has been an educator for 44 years. She has taught in Fillmore Unified schools for 34 of the 44 years. For the majority of her career, she taught kindergarten, however she has also educated second graders, worked as a district Instructional Coach, and is currently a first grade teacher.
Mrs. Sisolak is an innovative teacher and consistently goes the extra mile for her students. From designing creative learning opportunities that engage the entire class to using technology in a meaningful way in the classroom, Mrs. Sisolak guides her students to achieve their best each day.
Administrator of the Year
Beverly Garnica
Beverly Garnica is the proud principal of Rio Vista Elementary School. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her role as the Principal and achieved success in creating a student focused school community. She is a leader committed to student success and increased positive outcomes for her staff. Through her leadership, the campus created a “Kindness Initiative” involving all employees and students. Prior to becoming a Principal, Beverly has served with distinction as a Middle School Assistant Principal, and accomplished classroom teacher.
Classified Employee of the Year
Amelia Dominguez
Amelia provides inspired service as the Office Manager for FUSD Preschool. She can be trusted to the right thing for children in all situations. Amelia takes full ownership and responsibility for numerous daily clerical and office-related duties to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of all Preschools across the District. Her co-workers describe her as fair, knowledgeable, informed, steady, and possessing outstanding organizational and communication skills. Parents are grateful for her efficient, personable and respectful demeanor.
