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Celebrations
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Student Spotlight
Nevada Joint Union High School District is very proud to announce that
there are a total of 73 graduating seniors who will receive the Seal of Biliteracy at Graduation this year! These students displayed excellence in all English Language Arts courses as well as a language other than their home language for four years or an exam such as the AP or SAT and met the standards of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress in English Language Arts.
1 from North Point Academy
57 from Nevada Union High School
9 from Ghidotti Early College High School
6 from Bear River High School
There are an amazing 156 graduating students who will receive the Golden State Seal of Merit. These students must have exhibited academic excellence in English, Mathematics, Science, U.S. History and at least two other subjects for all four years of high school.
5 students from North Point Academy
80 students from Nevada Union High School
43 students from Bear River High School
28 students from Ghidotti Early College High School
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Classified School Employees of the Year - 2025
CONGRATULATIONS, PACO RUIZ!
Teachers of the Year 2026
In a warm and festive evening at the historic Miners Foundry on Thursday, October 16, nine exceptional Nevada County educators were honored by their districts as the 2026 Teachers of the Year. Among them, Kimberlee Veale of the Grass Valley School District was named the Nevada
County Teacher of the Year. The outstanding teachers honored at the annual dinner hosted by the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools (NCSOS) and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), include (photo from left to right):Scott W. Lay, Nevada County Supt. of Schools; Dana Jorgensen, Rep. for Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick; Sue Hoek, County Supervisor District 4; Mallory Russo, Nevada City SD; Janice Rowe, Pleasant Ridge SD; Kimberlee Veale, Grass Valley SD; Kristina Stroeve, Nevada Joint Union HSD; Lindsay Martinez, Chicago Park SD; Jennifer Cariaga, Clear Creek SD; John Bryan, NCSOS Special Ed. Services; Adam Pearcy, Twin Ridges SD; Sally Walker, Union Hill SD; Yolanda Cookson, Rep. for Senator Megan Dahle.
County Teacher of the Year. The outstanding teachers honored at the annual dinner hosted by the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools (NCSOS) and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), include (photo from left to right):Scott W. Lay, Nevada County Supt. of Schools; Dana Jorgensen, Rep. for Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick; Sue Hoek, County Supervisor District 4; Mallory Russo, Nevada City SD; Janice Rowe, Pleasant Ridge SD; Kimberlee Veale, Grass Valley SD; Kristina Stroeve, Nevada Joint Union HSD; Lindsay Martinez, Chicago Park SD; Jennifer Cariaga, Clear Creek SD; John Bryan, NCSOS Special Ed. Services; Adam Pearcy, Twin Ridges SD; Sally Walker, Union Hill SD; Yolanda Cookson, Rep. for Senator Megan Dahle.
“I’m a proud Grass Valley School District alum, and one of the greatest gifts of my life has been the opportunity to give back to the very district that helped raise me. There’s something deeply meaningful about returning to serve the community that once welcomed you with open arms,” said
Kimberlee Veale, Nevada County Teacher of the Year and Grass Valley School District Teacher of the Year.
Kimberlee Veale, Nevada County Teacher of the Year and Grass Valley School District Teacher of the Year.
The California Department of Education’s Teachers of the Year Program, established in 1972, honors educators who demonstrate outstanding commitment to student learning, creativity in the classroom, and leadership among their peers. Participation in the program is voluntary,
underscoring the distinction of being selected by one’s district. Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Scott W. Lay praised the honorees for their dedication, saying, “Every one of these teachers embodies the heart of education — compassion, creativity, and perseverance. Their impact reaches far beyond their classrooms, shaping the lives of students and strengthening our entire community. We are grateful for the difference they make every single day.”
The celebration brought together district and county administrators, school board members, colleagues, local and state officials, family, and friends — a reflection of Nevada County’s shared commitment to supporting quality education. Adding to the evening’s special touches, Faith Escoto, a senior at Bear River High School, served as event photographer, capturing moments of joy and pride. The Advanced Floral Design class from
Nevada Union High School’s Career Technical Education Department created stunning fall centerpieces, which each district Teacher of the Year took home as a keepsake.
Events like this remind the community of the invaluable role teachers play in shaping future generations. Congratulations to Kimberlee Veale, Nevada County Teacher of the Year, and to all the district Teachers of the Year recognized for their extraordinary contributions to students, schools,
and the profession of teaching.
Pictured Left to Right: Dan Frisella, Kristina Stroeve, Chris Roberts.