January's Outstanding Employees

This month's honorees include a high school principal, campus security aide, administrative assistant and school clerk.

Congratulations to January's honorees:

• Mark Garcia, Principal at West Mesa High School
• Yolanda Herrera, Campus Security Aide at the Career Enrichment Center   
• Sherry Johnson, Administrative Assistant for Student and Staff Supports Department
• Hollis Tilson, Clerk at Bandelier Elementary School 

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will be recognized by the APS Board of Education, receiving a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn More about January's Honorees

Mark Garcia, Principal at West Mesa High School

Mr. Garcia has always been a great role model and leader at West Mesa
High School. He put the best interests of his students, staff, and community first. 

Mr. Garcia has worked tirelessly to ensure everyone in the community has
a voice not only now, but long before remote learning began. He has put in
hours upon hours of work to ensure resources are available for students,
parents, and staff.

"When Mr. Garcia became the principal, I quickly learned that he was the right choice for our students and community," said parent Marie Chavez. "His selfless acts set him apart from others because he has the ability to see things from all sides. Nothing is one-sided for him." 

Yolanda Herrera, Campus Security Aide at the Career Enrichment Center  

Yolanda excels as a team player and carries out each day with a positive attitude. She makes others feel welcome.

"Yolanda goes beyond her job and will always put others first," said head custodian Lupe Grado. "She demonstrates passion for her job." 

Sherry Johnson, Administrative Assistant for Student and Staff Supports

Sherry is an exceptional person and a dedicated employee. She has been compared to Radar O'Reilly from the movie and long-running TV show MASH. She knows what others in her department need before they do. She is exceptionally organized and prepared for any situation. She has a warm and caring personality, a much-needed attribute for the work she does with clients seeking services from the Employee Assistance Program.

"Sherry is very knowledgeable when it comes to technology and the various programs that we use on a daily basis," said Director Larry Fortess. "Sherry also has leadership qualities that are apparent as other administrative support personnel look to her for guidance."

Hollis Tilson, Clerk at Bandelier Elementary School 

"Hollis is an employee of the year, decade even!" said school parent and volunteer Glynda Szekely. "She is never been anything but kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile for students and families."

Hollis makes herself stand out with her excellent work ethic, kindness to everyone who walks into the office, and willingness to go the extra mile.

"When I was volunteering at the school going through items in the lost and found, I took some items with first name and last initial to Hollis to see if she knew these names. Of course, she did!  She returned the items to the kiddos so they could have their lunch bags again," said Glynda. "This is just a small example of how Hollis serves with excellence and empathy at Bandelier."

How to Nominate an Employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee (i.e., no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

 Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.