Congratulations to the four recipients of a PSJA Spirit Award, our district's first-ever district-wide recognition tied to our new leadership definition - The Spirit of PSJA.

Throughout the school year, over 280 PSJA ISD staff members received one of the first 4 awards provided under our leadership definition, which include the following categories & characteristics:

* Positive Engagement-Building Relationships
* Student-Centered Excellence-Demonstrates Expertise
*Joint Empowerment-Builds Capacity
* Adaptive Innovation-Scans Environment

From those nominees, a committee comprised of district administrators selected the top four to represent each category. This was a blind selection with names, locations, and titles redacted to ensure a fair process.

To celebrate the occasion, we recognized the 16 finalists and the top recipients in each category.

Congratulations!

2018-2019 Spirit of PSJA Award Districtwide Finalists:

Positive Engagement-Building Relationships
- Noel Gonzalez, Transportation Department, Bus Driver
- Ramona Hernandez, Clover Elementary, Pre-K Instructional Aide *
- Rolando Perez, Alamo Middle School, Assistant Principal
- Vasthi Rodriguez, PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM ECHS, Teacher

Student-Centered Excellence-Demonstrates Expertise
- Diamantina Garcia, Cantu Elementary, Librarian
- Claudia Lemus-Campos, Communications Department, PR Specialist
- Catherine Mancillas, PSJA Early College HS, Librarian
- Nora Salazar, Clover Elementary, 3rd grade Teacher *

Joint Empowerment-Builds Capacity
- San Juana Bocanegra, Guerra Elementary, Pre-K Teacher *
- Sandra Garza, Palacios Elementary, Assistant Principal
- Sandra Luera, Ford Elementary, Science Lab Teacher
- Dina Yoder, McKeever Elementary, CLL

Adaptive Innovation-Scans Environment
- Margaret Garcia, Technology & Student Services, Administrative Secretary
- Leticia Gomez, Clover Elementary, Music Teacher
- Laura Quiroz, Anaya Elementary, Librarian
- Sandra Velarde, Curriculum & Instruction, ELA Coordinator *