At a recent staff meeting, site principal Shanda Herrera announced that Karen Apple has been selected as Santa Barbara County's Classified Employee of the Year (CSEY) in the Office/Technical Category.  Nominated by her peers, Karen will be honored at upcoming board meetings of the SMJUHSD and the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Her application has been forwarded to the California Department of Education in consideration for the State Classified Employee of the Year.

The CSEY Program  highlights the contributions of classified school employees who support the education of California's public school students in preschool through grade twelve.  The program's  goals are to identify six (6) exemplary classified school employees throughout  California for the CSEY award. The 2015 CSEY Program will identify and honor classified employees working in the following categories: Child Nutrition;  Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities; Office and Technical; Para-Educator  and Instructional Assistance; Suport Services and Security; and  Transportation.

In an email sent to the classified staff after the presentation, Karen shared, "I would like to thank you all again, so very much, for selecting me as the Classified Employee of the Year.  I truly have a greater understanding of the feelings and emotions as described by something being surreal!  It is an overwhelming thought to even be considered, much less selected, for such an award since I work with an amazing group of people. 

I have heard it said by many individuals, outside of our work environment, that we have a great atmosphere here at PV.  I must say that I do agree.  That is a wonderful thing to hear, but those words are the evidence of the working relationships we have as a collective body.  There truly is 'No better place to be than PV.'"

Karen is a dedicated employee with a strong work ethic. In her ten year tenure at Pioneer Valley High School as the Career Center Specialist, she has assisted thousands of students in their pursuit of post-high school career options and endeavors to showcase each student to their fullest potential. Her smile is a welcome greeting to everyone who enters the Career Center.

As a school liaison to a multitude of community groups, civic organizations and post-secondary institutions, Karen always represents our campus in the brightest of lights. She attends numerous community events, working tirelessly on behalf of students and exploring ways to enhance options for them. One of her crowning achievements is the annual College & Career Fair she organizes to further expand connections for students. It is a campus highlight each year that brings valuable resources to the campus and puts them in the hands of students.

Karen's commitment to the students of Pioneer Valley High School is a true asset for the school.   Not only does she assist them with researching college and career options, she assists them with finding the means to do so. Through scholarship and financial research, she is able to help students make their dreams become a reality. One of her latest accomplishments was bringing the Naviance Program to campus, a comprehensive program that helps students identify their strengths and align their interests with long-term goals to maximize their potential.

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