Every year, the Ross-Harmon Educator of the Year Committee throws a fabulous awards dinner bash on the last Monday of April, all to shower appreciation and applause on the rockstars who’ve made a big splash in educating students across Oroville City Elementary, Oroville Union High, Palermo Union, Thermalito Union School District, Stream Charter, and Hearthstone. We rely on the community, school staff, and parents to help us spotlight those extraordinary folks deserving of a standing ovation!
The categories for nomination are:
* Current Certificated staff
* Current Classified Employees
Recognition can be given for trailblazing projects, marathon-volunteer efforts, or any standout accomplishment by a superstar who’s made student life sparkle!
The deadline for submission of nominations for the 2027 Educator of the Year is Friday March 26th, 2027.
2026 Award Winners
Joel Jenkins – Oroville Union High School District
Tom Post – Oroville Union High School District
Dave Gnesda – Oroville Union High School District
Blake Friese – Oroville Union High School District
Tyler Brandt – Oroville Union High School District
Lisa Kittle – Thermalito Union Elementary School District
Christy Allsup – Palermo Union School District
Seth Bidlack – Palermo Union School District
Elizabeth Szloch – Thermalito Union Elementary School District
View Past Winners
Ross- Harmon Educator of the Year 
Classified Employee Recognition – Poplar Avenue School in Thermalito
Lia Vang, a kindergarten paraeducator, is here every day, for our kids! She loves them and shows it with hugs and getting to know each student individually. Although Lia is very caring towards our students, she also holds them to high expectations and expects their best at all times. She is willing to do anything asked of her and is always a team player. Lia goes above and beyond her expected duties by getting to know other students and staff beyond our classroom, building relationships, and assisting whenever needed. Lia seeks out opportunities to learn more and gain training that will benefit students academically. She is great at self-direction and figuring out what needs to be attended to the moment she walks in the classroom of twenty-five eager little children with questions and smiles.
Here is what some of her students said about her…
“Miss Vang tries to help us. She is nice and she takes care of us.”
“When we need help working, she always comes and helps us. When we get hurt she helps us.”
“Miss Vang is helpful, nice, and she plays with us. She always gives us caring, and joy, and stuff. She helps us read and fixes our books.”
Oops! I posted this nomination in the wrong spot. I completed a nomination form.
Awesome to see Mrs. Diaz recognized. A well deserved award for a teacher who really cares for students. Go Mrs. DIAZ,