Steven Cottrell, Laura Pope, and Sherri Sanders were selected as the Elko County School District’s April Staff and Teachers Achieving Results with Students (STARS) award recipients.
Cottrell, a computer technician for the district, was nominated by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.
Their nomination explained Cottrell is always available to help when technology issues arise at Elko High School and is very pleasant to work with.
Cottrell “is quick to respond, tries his best to find a way to keep us working and keep the kids learning,” the nomination read.
Pope, a music teacher at Spring Creek Elementary School, was nominated by a parent who wishes to remain anonymous.
“Mrs. Pope is one of the kindest teachers I know. She is always smiling. She always goes out of her way to help her students and her school in any way she can,” the nomination read. “Every year she has each grade put on amazing performances. When she is not teaching music, she is assisting students that need extra help or helping other teachers with class prep. She is one of a kind.”
Sanders, a special education teacher at Wells Combined School, was nominated by colleague Karon Ozols and someone who wishes to remain anonymous.
Ozols explained she began working with Sanders in 2016. “During that year, Sherri went above and beyond helping the students of Wells Elementary, particularly in the area of reading disabilities including dyslexia,” Ozols said. “In addition, she began researching and implementing program that ultimately helped many young students become successful.”
The anonymous nomination stated Sanders “was a substitute teacher for many years and decided to pursued a teaching degree after her children were raised because she loves kids. Her father and grandfather worked for the school district as bus drivers. She attended Wells Combined School and so did her children.”
Sanders “is invested, and it shows. She has grown into a dedicated well-rounded teacher that has excelled at her craft. She masterfully works with teachers, administrators, and para professionals to ensure her students get the best education possible.”
Recognition of these deserving employees would not be possible without sponsors: LeeAnne's Floral Designs, Maverick Gaming, The Star, and Rotary Club of Elko Desert Sunrise.
Staff, students and the general public are all encouraged to nominate a school district employee who demonstrates exceptional performance and commitment to the education of all students served by the district’s schools.
The nomination form can be found on the STARS webpage on the Elko County School District website.