JURUPA VALLEY – Under the guise of needing technology support for a meeting, Jurupa Unified School District (JUSD) Executive Assistant, Cindy Vasquez, was summoned to a district office conference room on Thursday afternoon, February 22. Unbeknownst to her, inside of the room were colleagues, educators, and Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, who were all poised to celebrate the news that she is the 2024 Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year.

Upon entering the room, Cindy laughingly described the scene as an ambush, while cheers and applause arrived with an honorary certificate presented by Dr. Edwin Gomez, and a congratulatory bouquet from JUSD Superintendent, Dr. Trenton Hansen.

“Cindy’s impact on student success is profound, particularly in her efforts to support Spanish-speaking students and parents in overcoming language barriers,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Cindy’s contributions extend beyond her immediate role, and her meticulous planning and coordination ensure that students have access to educational experiences that are rich and vibrant.”

“I’m honored to receive this award and want to thank all of you for the kind words—I’m sweatin’ over here!” Cindy said immediately following the surprise.

Earlier in the month, four Riverside County educators were recognized in surprise visits by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. All honorees will be recognized at the 2024 Celebrating Educators Luncheon set for May 7, at the Riverside Convention Center.

About Cindy Vasquez – 2024 Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year

Cindy Vasquez has made a remarkable impact as a confidential employee at Jurupa Valley Unified School District. As an executive assistant to two Assistant Superintendents in both the Education Services and Expanded Learning and the Arts divisions, she helps unify the quality of student education and exploration of musical, visual, media, and performing arts. From organizing, scheduling, and maintaining office operations, coordination communications, supervising office personnel and organizing schedules for both assistant superintendents, Cindy is goal-oriented in her passion for fostering excellence, collaboration, and positivity. In her 23 years in the education field, Cindy has truly embodied the “Learn Without Limits” mission, understanding the challenges and language-barriers that Spanish-speaking parents and students face when speaking in their primary language, offering translation, reassurance, and a personal connection to bring students to their utmost success.

Four 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
  Press Release 2/9/2024:
  2024 Riverside County Classified Employee of the Year Named in Surprise Visit in Moreno Valley Unified School District

• Riverside County Classified Administrator of the Year
  Michael Sattley, Director of Facilities Services
  Hemet Unified School District
  Press Release 02/13/2024:
  

  Director of Facilities Services in Hemet USD Named 2024 Riverside County Classified Administrator of the Year

• Riverside County Principal of the Year
  Dr. Emily Price, Principal, Megan Cope Elementary School
  San Jacinto Unified School District
  Press Release 02/16/2024:
  

  Dr. Emily Price Named 2024 Riverside County Principal of the Year

• Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year
  Cindy Vasquez, Executive Assistant
  Jurupa Unified School District

• Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year – TBD Week of February 26

• Riverside County Site Support Employee of the Year – TBD Week of February 26
  

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.

2024 Riverside County Teachers of the Year (named in mid-2023)

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