During the Board of Trustees meeting held in the MVHS library on March 6, science teacher Kavita Gupta was awarded Certified Employee of the Year and senior clerical Dianne Howard as Classified Employee of the Year.

According to Principal April Scott, the nominations for Employees and Student of the Year occur during the end of January or early February. Both Gupta and Howard were nominated during late January by administration, certified and classified employees.

The two nominees were presented with a plaque by an FUHSD Board of Trustees member and Scott. Watching among the crowd were the families and friends of the nominees. Gupta’s parents, who were visiting from India, attended the ceremony as well.

“I have so much to be thankful for,” Gupta said. “And for me to be with my parents is a privilege because they live so far, and for them to be here when I’m receiving an award was something I never imagined. It’s very, very special.”

Both Howard and Gupta attributed their recognition to the environment established at MVHS as well as the support of students and staff, which motivates them to continue their performance.

“[I’m] very grateful,” Howard said. “I think everything I try to do here is just what I try to do everyday.”

In addition, during the meeting Scott announced that Assistant Principal Dennis Plaza will be retiring at the end of this school year. Plaza was recognized for his years of dedication at MVHS.

Though retirement was a tough decision for Plaza, he is confident that the school environment will remain the same.

“There’s so much energy around here and daily interactions [with the staff] will come to an end, but it’s time to move on,” Plaza said. “Other people will come into the school and continue to make it a great place, so I’m hopeful for those that will come in and follow.”

Check back March 12  for video coverage of the event.

A section of this story has been removed, as per administration’s request. This story was updated on March 9 at 5:24 p.m.