In the final Achievement Above All event of the 2022-2023 school year, the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board celebrated one teacher, one student, and one support staff member from specialty programs Next STEP, Northern Academy and from the GUHSD Online Learning Academy. In addition, one support staff member from the District Office was honored at the meeting. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their program and the district.
Andi Raab is GUHSD Online Learning Academy’s Teacher of the Year. Raab wears many hats while teaching at the Online Learning Academy. She teaches Integrated Science and Forensics as well as being the interventionist, tech coach, liaison mentor, sponsor of the staff culture committee, and a sponsor for the robotics/coding.
Online Learning Academy Administrator Christine Lord says, “Andi is always looking out for what is best for students. She not only does this for her own students, but she helps other teachers with their students as well. She is masterful in creating Professional Development opportunities for teachers that they truly enjoy! Andi is willing to help out in any way; she has a knack for making everyone feel good about themselves and what they do! Andi is the type of teacher every administrator wants to work with!”
Described as the perfect representation of Next S.T.E.P., Aidan Vasquez is Next S.T.E.P.’s Student of the Year. Next S.T.E.P. is a program that teaches students how to work and live independently. Vasquez has held several intern positions during his time at Next S.T.E.P. including, Smart and Final, DSW, and Peoria Discount Grocery. Most recently, Vasquez has obtained a paid position at Walmart within the last two months.
Next S.T.E.P. Administrator Stephanie Slover says, “We look for interns who are motivated to work, take directions from supervisors, cooperate with co-workers, teachers, and all staff members, speak up for themselves as well as take constructive criticism. Aidan has been able to do all of these things and so many more in his time at Next S.T.E.P.
For six years, Kathleen DeWeese has been the Special Programs secretary. This year she is Northern Academy’s Support Staff of the Year. DeWeese’s position is many roles wrapped into one including attendance secretary, data processor, receptionist, records, and many more. When she is not working, she watches her grandchildrens’ sporting events. DeWeese plans to retire in Nebraska in the next few years.
Northern Academy teacher Cary Gilbert says, “Kathie DeWeese is very deserving and truly embodies the Achievement Above All award due to the unwavering support she gives to all of our students. She regularly has students stop in to see her with a question or just to say hi.”
GUHSD District Support Staff of the Year Robyn Nash has been working in the district for over 20 years. She first began working at Independence High School, where she was the Operations and Resource Secretary. She coached volleyball, track, and softball. In 2006, Nash received the Achievement Above All award for her work at Independence. For the last 15 years, Nash has worked as the Information Technology Communications Manager.
Chief Information Technology and Research Officer Dr. Joshua Dean says, “Over the years, Robyn has exceeded the expectations of those who seek her help by being professional, respectful, kind, cheerful, and patient. Robyn also helps support teaching, learning, and district operations through her ability to be organized and proactive. In the ever-changing world of technology, it is critically important to have elements of stability. I am so grateful for Robyn because she provides this stability to the IT team and those we serve.”
