SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union just teamed up with the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce to throw their 7th Annual Heroes in Education Awards Dinner. Think of it as the Oscars, but for the people who actually deserve the recognition—the educators and staff making a real difference in kids’ lives every single day.
The chamber of commerce puts on this shindig annually to spotlight the folks who go above and beyond for student success across local schools. And the category list? It’s comprehensive. We’re talking Primary and Secondary Principal of the Year, Primary and Secondary Teacher of the Year, Special Education Teacher of the Year, Parent Volunteer of the Year, STEM Teacher of the Year, Physical Education Teacher of the Year, and Visual and Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
But here’s what made this year special: SchoolsFirst FCU stepped up to recognize classified school employees—you know, the people who keep the whole operation running but rarely get the spotlight. These are the administrative assistants, custodians, cafeteria staff, and support professionals who make sure schools actually function. Three classified employees representing elementary, middle, and high school levels got their moment at the April 22nd event, thanks to nominations from peers, students, and parents. Nakima Boleware, manager of the Northridge branch, presented their awards.
All thirteen honorees walked away with wagons loaded with school supplies for their classrooms and students—because let’s be honest, teachers are always digging into their own pockets for supplies. The three classified staff winners also scored $500 awards from SchoolsFirst FCU, a nice tangible thank-you for all they do.
2026 Heroes in Education Award Recipients
- Visual and Performing Arts Teacher of the Year: Tara Corral, Calahan Street Elementary
- Physical Education Teacher of the Year: Michelle Brait, Reseda Charter High School
- STEM Teacher of the Year: Marcelle Khalil-Hein, Granada Hills Charter TK-12
- Elementary Teacher of the Year: Carroll Gelberg, El Oro Way Charter for Enriched Studies
- Secondary Teacher of the Year: Amy Edmonds, Robert Frost Middle School
- Special Education Teacher of the Year: Caryl Medina, Sven Lokrantz Special Education Center
- Elementary Principal of the Year: Christine Chun, Balboa Elementary Gifted Magnet
- Secondary Principal of the Year: Cindy Duong, Grover Cleveland Charter High School
- Parent Volunteer of the Year: Kimberly Amado
Classified Awards
- Jin Ok, Beckford Charter for Enriched Studies
- Erik Heil, Sven Lokrantz Special Education Center
- Jorge Garcia, Granada Hills Charter TK-12
Golden Apple Award
- Karen Turner, Alfred B. Nobel Charter Middle School
“Educators and school employees play a critical role in student success every day,” said Josh Smith, vice president of school and community relations at SchoolsFirst FCU. “We partner with the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce to help recognize both certificated and classified staff who make a difference in their schools and communities.”
Translation? These people show up, do the work, and change lives. And it’s about time we gave them more than just an apple on their desk.