By Becky Maxedon

When the Lake Havasu Unified School District Board of Directors met Tuesday, the announced the 2020-2021 outstanding educators.

“As a component of the America’s Best City competition, the community formed Vision 20/20 Lake Havasu City. One of the pillars for change was focused on education with a priority of retaining our talent,” said Ginny Sautner, NBCT, AZ Master Teacher Mentor, of Thunderbolt Middle School.

“With the award, the committee identified a focus on recognition for the talent we have in our district,” she said.

The Staff Recognition Program recognizes the extraordinary contributions made by teachers and staff every day to improve the lives of students in Lake Havasu City.

To honor their work, the district invites community members, parents, colleagues, and students to nominate a teacher or support staff member who they feel deserves this special recognition.

Jamie Thuneman poses with the Jamaica School Teacher of the Year award. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Winners are then selected by site level committee and then district level committee.

Announced Tuesday were the following:

Overall LHUSD Teacher of the Year – Christina Musselman
Staff of the Year- Gail Kulp
Rookie Teacher of the Year – Illa Carvajal
Smoketree Elementary Teacher of the Year – Patricia Fligg
Starline Elementary Teacher of the Year – Christina Musselman
Nautilus Elementary Teacher of the Year – Kristen Friesz
Jamaica Elementary Teacher of the Year – Jamie Thuneman
Havasupai Elementary Teacher of the Year – Julie Johnson
Oro Grande Classical Academy Teacher of the Year – Nicole Brown
Lake Havasu High School Teacher of the Year – Michelle Burke
Thunderbolt Middle School Teacher of the Year – Dustin Blake

Following the awards, Dr. Rebecca Stone recognized the 2020-2021 LHUSD retirees and Marsha Becker handed out CTE awards for Lake Havasu High School.

Patricia Fligg poses with the Smoketree Teacher of the Year award. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jacob Magdaleno and Logan Rodriguez pose with their CTE awards they received Tuesday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

LHUSD teachers receive their awards Tuesday evening at Lake Havasu High School. Photo courtesy Patricia Fligg