January's Outstanding Employees

This month's honorees include a school principal, a diagnostician technician, a food services worker and a custodian.

If Albuquerque Public Schools employs you, you know we have some very dedicated professionals on our team. This month’s honorees include a school principal, a diagnostician technician, a food services worker and a custodian.

For the fifth year, the district recognizes at least a few of these outstanding employees through the Employee Recognition Program. 

All staff members employed for at least six months can be nominated, though we ask that you not nominate yourself.

Nominate an APS employee!

January's Honorees

•  Adrianne Elkins – Principal, Coyote Willow Family School
• Amaris Marroquin – Diagnostician Technician, Special Education/NWDC
• Georgia Chandler – Food Services Worker, Food & Nutrition Kitchen
• Adrianna Jackson – Custodian, Albuquerque High School

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will have an opportunity to visit with Superintendent Scott Elder or his representative. They also will be recognized by the APS Board of Education and receive a lasting memento.

Learn More About January’s Nominees

Adrianne Elkins – Principal, Coyote Willow Family School

Adrianne Elkins was nominated by three individuals, one of whom describes her as the glue that holds Coyote Willow Family School together, another who says she is “very charismatic” and has unlimited energy and yet another who calls her the heart of the school and someone who “supports her employees and empowers them to continually learn and become better at their jobs.”

As principal of the family school, she has grown the school from a small campus to a large elementary/middle school, and she accomplished much of it as the pandemic was raging. She has also been able to foster a culture of high parent engagement and volunteerism.

“Ms. Adrianne fosters a contagious curiosity and love-of-learning for her students – which is, in my opinion, the entire point of education,” says one parent. “I can tell that she constantly researches new educational tools and theories to develop project ideas that expand our kids’ paradigm of learning and expertise with new technology.”

Those who know Principal Elkins describe her as an inspiring leader with a commitment and drive “to make Coyote Willow a place where every single kid succeeds and thrives. She knows every kid, what their needs are; and she works to make it happen, while showing kindness and empathy.”

 Amaris Marroquin – Diagnostician Technician, Special Education/NWDC

Amaris Marroquin, a diagnostician technician in the Special Education Northwest Diagnostic Center, is always going above and beyond. 

“She is our scheduler, problem-solver, maintenance crew and counselor,” says one colleague. “Amaris is the face of our diagnostic center. There are countless examples of her creative, flexible and positive work ethic.”

Amaris has developed a reputation as someone who spends her days juggling many challenging tasks while maintaining a friendly and positive attitude. “No matter how hectic the front office is, Amaris finds time to answer questions and support the evaluation staff at NWDC,” her coworkers say.

Georgia Chandler – Food Services Worker, Food & Nutrition Kitchen

Georgia Chandler has been providing meals to students for more than 24 years.

“Georgia has such a positive, fun and friendly personality and is a valued team player,” her boss says. She has been with Food & Nutrition Services for 24 years, serving students at Sierra Vista initially as a substitute and also working at the district’s central kitchen.

Her dedication shines through. She has worked to provide meals to students not only during the academic year but also many summers. She also packs Thanksgiving meals and even provided meals for students during the pandemic.

 Adrianna Jackson – Custodian, Albuquerque High School

As a custodian at Albuquerque High, Adrianna Jackson is always going the extra mile. She makes sure her area is clean and then helps colleagues with their areas. When other custodians are absent, she steps in to lend a hand, and she also helps security get students to hustle to get to class on time.

“She is always respectful and has a great sense of humor,” says one teacher at the school. “Ms. Jackson takes the utmost pride in being a Bulldog alumni; she knows the school, the facility and staff, and the community because she is part of it!”

But what really makes Adrianna stand out is that she is juggling her job with courses she is taking to become a teacher.

“She realized the importance of what higher education could mean and would like to give back to her community – working at AHS as a teacher, knowing what she has learned from starting at the bottom and working her way up,” the teacher who nominated her says.