On March 26, Columbia Union School District recognized three (3) employees at the Tuolumne County Association of California School Administrators' "Employees Who Make a Difference" awards banquet at the Elks Lodge. The event is where school districts can recognize the dedication and hard work of key members of the staff.
The following employees were recognized:
Irma Bernal is a long-standing and deeply valued member of the Columbia community whose presence, reliability, and dedication make a lasting impact on students, families, and staff alike. Always visible and dependable, Irma is someone people consistently turn to for support, guidance, and reassurance throughout the school day. She has a remarkable ability to build positive relationships while also maintaining high expectations, skillfully keeping students on track when they need it most. Irma embodies the spirit of a positive school culture, one centered on showing up for kids, supporting one another, and creating an environment where everyone feels cared for and accountable. Her steady commitment and genuine care for the community make her a true model of what it means to put students first.
Katy Byrd has quickly become an invaluable resource for both staff and students through her expertise, leadership, and commitment to building effective systems of support. As a BCaBA, she serves as a trusted coach for staff, providing guidance in de-escalation strategies and classroom management that helps create safer and more supportive learning environments. Katy plays an important role in strengthening the Student Support Team (SST) process, bringing thoughtful insight and practical solutions that improve student outcomes. She is also leading the effort to train all staff in Safety Care, ensuring consistent and effective responses across campus. In addition to supervising an RBT on staff, Katy is actively continuing her professional growth as she works toward becoming a BCBA and has expressed a strong interest in future administrative leadership. Her strengths in developing systems, supporting staff, and improving behavioral response practices make her an outstanding asset to our school community.
Rebecca Evanson is an indispensable member of our school community whose flexibility, technical expertise, and solutions-oriented mindset make a meaningful impact every day. As an instructional technician, Rebecca consistently steps in wherever she is needed throughout the school day, supporting staff and students with professionalism and a positive attitude. She plays an important role assisting with middle school PE, ensuring students stay engaged and supported, and she brings exceptional technical skills that benefit both classrooms and extracurricular programs. Rebecca also helps lead an innovative after-school video game design opportunity, using her tech savvy to inspire creativity and problem-solving among students. Her willingness to adapt, her reliability in every situation, and her commitment to helping others succeed make her an invaluable asset to our school.
