MORENO VALLEY – The atmosphere in the Canyon Springs High School multi-purpose room was buzzing with nervous excitement. The pep band and the cheerleaders were warming up while family, friends, and colleagues, gathered in anticipation. When Michelle Forcina walked in, the whole room erupted in congratulatory applause as the beloved school secretary was surprised to learn that she was being named the 2024 Riverside County Classified Employee of the Year by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez.

“She draws inspiration from her mentors who have guided her journey across her career, and Michelle aspires to pass on her knowledge and wisdom to her colleagues, fostering an environment where everyone can reach their fullest potential,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Michelle’s dedication to building connections with students, even outside the classroom, demonstrates her commitment to their well-being and academic success.” 

“What a huge surprise, and I am so honored and so happy to be a part of Moreno Valley Unified School District,” said Michelle Forcina after being named the 2024 Classified Employee of the Year. “I love all of you, my students out there, and the staff that is so supportive. I’m so grateful for all of you, and I am looking forward to many more years with all of you.”  

Michelle Forcina has done a little bit of everything as a classified employee on the campus of Canyon Springs High School. Her career at Moreno Valley Unified School District is a testament to how strong performance can lead to opportunities for advancement. She started at the campus as a substitute employee in the attendance office, was hired as the receptionist, moved into a Clerk III position, and is now Secretary III supporting the principal and the busy activities in the school’s main office. From registration and recognition events, to coordinating meetings and payroll, Michelle Forcina exudes a calm, safe, and relaxing presence so that students, parents, substitutes, and employees, can all feel accepted and reach their fullest potential. She connects with students and opens her office as a place of acceptance, relaxation, and safety where they can connect with a familiar face. Her colleagues describe her as a “reflective listener who extends herself to others….and who hears all, but judges none.”

Earlier in the week, Gabriella S. Zlaket from Arlington High School (Riverside USD), was named as the 2024 Riverside County School Counselor of the Year. Five additional surprise visits are planned throughout February. All honorees will be recognized at the 2024 Celebrating Educators Luncheon set for May 7, at the Riverside Convention Center.

The full list of categories and honorees for the 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year:

• Riverside County School Counselor of the Year
  Gabriella S. Zlaket, School Counselor
  Arlington High School, Riverside Unified School District
  Press Release 2/6/2024:
  First 2024 Riverside County Educator of the Year Named in Surprise Visit in Riverside Unified School District
  

• Riverside County Classified Employee of the Year
  Michelle Forcina, Secretary III
  Canyon Springs High School, Moreno Valley Unified School District

• Riverside County Classified Administrator of the Year
  Michael Sattley, Director of Facilities Services
  Hemet Unified School District
  Press Release 2/13/2024:
  Director of Facilities Services in Hemet USD Named 2024 Riverside County Classified Administrator of the Year

• Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year – TBD in February 2024
• Riverside County Principal of the Year – TBD in February 2024
• Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year – TBD in February 2024
• Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year – TBD in February 2024

The Riverside County Educators of the Year are selected from the more than 36,000 educational employees in the county. The rigorous application process starts with nominations by teachers, classified employees, and school district administrators throughout the county. Applications are then submitted to the Riverside County Office of Education, where an outside selection committee selects the honorees before the county superintendent announcement.

Along with the 2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year named previously, all 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year will be honored at the Celebrating Educators Luncheon, set for Tuesday, May 7, at the Riverside Convention Center.

Clarification: The 2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year were named in mid-2023 to align with the 2023 California State Teacher of the Year competition. The 2025 Riverside County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May/June of 2024 and will via for the 2025 California State Teacher of the Year award that will be named in the fall of 2024 by the California Department of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond.

Marie Stevenson
Mathematics Teacher
Rancho Mirage High School
Palm Springs USD

James Waedekin
English Teacher
New Horizon School
Banning USD

Lindsay Hill
4^th Grade Teacher
Sundance Elementary School
Beaumont USD

Lorena Morales
Mathematics/AVID Teacher
La Sierra High School
Alvord USD