Gilbert Public Schools recognizes 'Employees of Year'

Gilbert Public Schools hosted its annual Employee of the Year ceremony April 26, a dedicated space to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of its incredible staff.

From teachers and administrators to support staff and everyone in between, the event at Highland High School emphasized that each employee in every position is heard and appreciated.

“In our district, we truly believe it takes every single one of our employees to make GPS a special place to work and learn,” said Dr. Shane McCord, superintendent at Gilbert Public Schools. “It is important to us to recognize and celebrate all the different people and roles it takes, working together every day, to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and families.”

Winning an Employee of the Year award is a tremendous honor, but the impact of the ceremony goes beyond individual recognition. For the staff of Gilbert Public Schools, the event serves as a validation of their efforts and a reminder of the role they play in the lives of students.

Bertha Ogden, an administrative assistant at Val Vista Lakes Elementary, exemplified the impact that the Employee of the Year recognition has on staff. Initially surprised and excited by the nomination, Ogden's emotions shifted to a deeper appreciation after the ceremony.

"It helped me realize the impact that I make in people's lives, even if a moment is as small as a smile," she said.

In addition to how the Employee of the Year celebration impacted her, Ogden shared how her 22-year career at GPS has impacted her life.

“I am very fortunate to be part of the GPS family, not only as an employee but as a parent of two former students that now are teachers here as well," she said. "I have built so many relationships with the staff, parents and students that I feel there is no other district that I would enjoy working for, because GPS is my family and home.”

Jim Baker, a counselor at Campo Verde High School with 27 years of experience in the district, talked about how the Employee of the Year program has reminded him of the importance of his role.

"One thing I'll take away from this recognition is that some of what I do is making a difference in my students and on my campus," he said.

Baker said this takeaway is something that all employees at the event can feel.

“I think anyone who sat in the auditorium that night and heard all the accomplishments of each Employee of the Year came out of there wanting to do better and aspire to do even more to impact our students positively," he said. "I know I did.”

Gilbert Education Foundation played an instrumental role in making the Employee of the Year celebration a reality, thanks to the support of its sponsors.

Sun Valley Builders returned as the presenting sponsor, while Benson Systems sponsored the awards for each employee.

In addition to these key supporters, 27 local, regional, and national sponsors have also supported the event.

Those interested in learning more about working at Gilbert Public Schools and getting started in joining GPS can visit GilbertSchools.net/Jobs .