The following employees were selected to receive the February Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the February 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.
Richelle Cummings
District Resource Officer at Columbia River High School
Richelle Cummings, DRO at Columbia River High School, is the true definition of a leader. She has earned the deep respect of everyone in her building through her unwavering professionalism and dedication to students that is evident in every interaction. As those around her often say, Richelle is “part of the community, not just an employee.”
While Richelle has led the way in multiple emergency situations – where her calm, steady presence made all the difference – she is just as impactful in the quiet moments. Every day, she serves as a guardian of student well-being. She makes every visitor feel welcome and takes the time to get to know each member of the River community. Because of those relationships, she acts as a vital bridge to our counselors when she notices a student in need of extra support.
As her nominator stated: “honestly, there are not many as excellent as her.” We are honored to have Richelle protecting and brightening our community every single day. Thank you, Richelle.
Melissa Gonzalez
Paraeducator at Hazel Dell Elementary
Melissa Gonzalez, a paraeducator at Hazel Dell Elementary, is defined by a massive heart and an unwavering belief in every student she meets. Known for her incredible personal touch, she makes a point to learn every child’s personality and interests – a gift that allows her to help them navigate even their roughest moments with ease.
A good portion of Melissa’s day is spent on the playground, where she serves as half of a dynamic duo dedicated to fostering social skills through cooperative play. Rain or shine, she is there with a bright smile. Beyond the playground, Melissa has perfected the art of the “check-in,” intentionally bookending her day with the students who need her most. She teaches them to embrace personal growth and reach for their highest potential, ensuring they head home feeling truly seen and proud of their progress.
As her nominator shares, “Melissa goes the extra mile – whether by sprinting to whatever emergent need she hears about on the radio or knowing exactly what a student needs to get through the day.” Thank you, Melissa.
Kristy Jones
ISEP Teacher at Chinook Elementary
Kristy Jones, ISEP Teacher for grades 3-5, exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her work at Chinook. She has a remarkable gift for creating a sense of belonging, making sure that every student feels accepted, valued, and supported. By meeting a wide range of needs across multiple grade levels, Kristy ensures that equity is always at the forefront of her instruction.
The atmosphere Kristy creates is life-changing for her students. As her nominator stated: “Many of these students have shared that they did not enjoy school before, but after joining her classroom, they finally felt supported and confident, experiencing both safety and the encouragement to grow.”
Kristy’s impact reaches every corner of the Chinook community. She empowers her team of paraeducators, making them feel like integral members of her school family, and collaborates seamlessly with general education teachers to ensure her students’ success. Through consistent, thoughtful partnership with families, she builds a bridge of trust between home and school. As her nominator summarized, “Kristy consistently goes above and beyond for the Chinook community.” Thank you, Kristy.
Kaylee Krapfl
Careers in Education & Childhood Development Teacher at Fort Vancouver High School
At Fort Vancouver High School, Kaylee Krapfl is doing more than teaching a curriculum; she is cultivating a community where the next generation of educators finds its footing. As a Careers in Education & Childhood Development Teacher, Kaylee has taken student learning to the next level by opening “Tiny Trappers Preschool” earlier this year. This on-campus, hands-on environment lets students gain authentic, career-ready experience while serving our community’s youngest learners.
As her students and nominator can attest to, Kaylee has created a learning environment grounded in care, safety, and professional standards. “She fosters a deep sense of belonging, where every child and student is welcomed, valued, and supported, and where relationships are built on trust, care, and mutual respect.”
Kaylee’s work consistently reflects integrity and a clear commitment to doing what is best for students. She “models a true love of learning, inspiring curiosity, compassion, and professionalism in her students while showing them the power of education to change lives.” Thank you, Kaylee.
Rocky Lahti
PBIS Specialist at Roosevelt Elementary
Rocky Lahti, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Specialist at Roosevelt, is a tireless advocate for our students. She is the kind of person who makes her impact felt the moment a student walks through the door – greeting them with a warm smile and making sure they know exactly how happy she is to see them.
Rocky’s strength lies in her patience. Whether she is helping a student navigate a difficult emotional moment or partnering with teachers to find new ways to engage a classroom, she leads with understanding and empathy.
Her commitment to the student experience extends far beyond the classroom. Believing that every child deserves a creative, inclusive outlet, Rocky helped bring Roosevelt’s after-school art club to life – even organizing a professional artist residency to inspire our young artists. In everything she does, Rocky makes sure our students are safe, seen, and supported. Thank you, Rocky.