Lake County Gazette

Staff members nominated by their supervisors and coworkers for going above and beyond in the district were recognized for their efforts by being awarded the Diamond Lake School District's Diamond Awards.

Among those recognized during the February 21 board meeting was Jessica Rosales. 

"Thanks you so much, this is very kind," Rosales, a teacher at West Oak Middle School, said during the meeting.  "I just want to thank everybody that has been supportive of me and the program, the band program, specifically my team. And obviously, Mr. Pederson, for nominating me as well as Dr. Sherman and the board, many of which I have your students in band. So thank you so much for those. I really do appreciate it. And we look forward to continuing strongly this year and just moving forward and growing as a band program and as a music program."

Principal Brandon Pederson introduced Rosales' to the board. He credited her incredible personality, can-do attitude, and solutions-based focus in the classroom make her an incredible educator. He said she's very dedicated to the bands and jazz ensembles, inspiring all of her students to perform and celebrate their accomplishments. 

Fellow teacher Candice Rastrelli was the recipient of the second Diamond Award. She was nominated by two of her fellow teachers. They credited her with constantly raising the bar and improving her classroom techniques and strategies, always willing to learn more as an educator and striving for further professional development. They said she is the first teacher to step up for a new program or challenge, stepping outside her comfort zone regularly to bring information and ideas back to her building.

The final Diamond Award was given to Lisa Kokoruz, who was nominated by one of her colleagues.  She was recognized for her incredible wisdom and experience in the blended and special ed program. She's also a mentor figure for every new and young teacher in the building and is known as the Mary Poppins of the building. Her colleague said she has incredible techniques to engage with the students when no one else can and makes sure they know their voices are heard and valued.