SALINAS VALLEY — Two South Monterey County classified school employees are among this year’s honorees in the Monterey County Office of Education’s Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year awards.
Roy Telles, representing Skilled Trades Services for the Greenfield Union School District, and Leticia Rivera, representing Technical Services for the Soledad Unified School District, were recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to local students. Both were celebrated at a countywide awards event on May 9 at the Embassy Suites in Seaside.
The annual program honors educators and school employees from preschool through 12th grade who go above and beyond in their work. Classified School Employees are recognized in nine different categories, with each winner moving forward for consideration in the California Department of Education’s 2025 Classified Employee of the Year Program.
Telles, known for his hands-on skills and commitment to maintaining safe and functional school facilities, and Rivera, recognized for her expertise in technical services that support classroom learning, joined seven other countywide classified winners:
- Karen Kushel, Clerical and Administrative Services, International School of Monterey;
- Angelo White, Custodial and Maintenance Services, International School of Monterey;
- Nancy Derr, Food and Nutrition Services, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District;
- Brenda Perez, Health and Student Services, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District;
- Fran Ryder, Paraprofessional Services, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District;
- Erik Lualemana, Security Services, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District; and
- Diego Mandujano Macias, Transportation Services, Salinas Union High School District.
The evening also recognized Monterey County Teachers of the Year in four categories: Dania Zalat of International School of Monterey (Elementary School); Ben Holiday of Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (Middle School); Will Cobley of Monterey County Office of Education (Special Education); and Blaise Chaney of South Monterey County Joint Union High School District (High School), with Chaney also named the overall Monterey County Teacher of the Year for his work at King City High School. He will advance to compete in the 2026 California Teacher of the Year Program.
“The Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year Program honors the extraordinary dedication, talent and impact of our educators and classified staff who go above and beyond to serve students every day,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss. “These outstanding individuals exemplify the heart of our schools, creating safe, inclusive and engaging environments where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Their commitment not only shapes the future of our communities but also reminds us of the vital role every educator and school employee plays in a child’s success.”
Each district honoree received a $500 cash prize, made possible through community donations, with Chaney receiving an additional $500 for his overall county win.
