Tempe Elementary School District recognizes outstanding employees by honoring them with an Impact Award. Peers and supervisors nominate winners who are chosen by a selection committee. The winners for the 2007-2008 school year are:

• Chris Amparan, Nutritional Services account specialist, for ensuring professionalism and consistency of tasks;

• Cher Bingham Cooper, kindergarten teacher at Evans School, for using leadership to support excellence in public education;

• Michelle Docherty, cafeteria manager at Fees Middle School, for exhibiting her up-beat personality even in the most trying of circumstances;

• Brittany Edlen, Finance department purchasing specialist, for knowing the importance of penny pinching and always striving to help;

• Ruth Hendrix, fifth-grade teacher at Wood School, for nurturing diversity and culture in her classroom;

• Lisa Hobson, principal at Bustoz School, for dedicating her career to Tempe Elementary and being instrumental in the success at her school; Cindy Inman, second-grade teacher at Broadmor School, for her insightfulness and dedication to education;

• Gayle Korte, librarian at Nevitt School, for her dedication to serving the district and constantly seeking out materials to build Nevitt’s professional library;

• Ruben Martinez, lead custodian at Nevitt School, for seeing that the school runs in a safe, organized and efficient manner and doing so with a smile;

• Amy Mitchell, special education teacher at Frank School, for being a passionate advocate for all of her students’ learning abilities;

• Deborah Rierros, special education teacher at Scales Professional Development School, for inspiring those around her with an effective teaching style and dedication to those in need;

• Jane Rupard, principal of Getz School, for fulfilling her responsibilities while taking on additional service work;

• Ed Schwenck, Human Resources mailroom/courier coordinator, for going out of his way to assist the needs of the district;

• Gerrie Sferra, school office manager at Connolly Middle School, for believing that public education is a team effort and working to receive the help of the community;

• Christine Sierra, Special Needs administrative assistant, for providing a positive atmosphere throughout her work place; and

• Darlene Vollhardt, Human Resources substitute coordinator, for going above and beyond her duties to help others.