Employee Recognition
The Banning Unified School District Employee Recognition Program celebrates the individuals who make a meaningful impact across our schools, departments, and community each day. Through dedication, leadership, service, and care for students, our employees help create learning environments where students can thrive and succeed.
Each year, the District honors outstanding certificated, classified, confidential, and administrative employees, along with retirees and milestone years of service recipients, during the annual Employee Recognition Dinner. This program highlights the people whose commitment strengthens our campuses, supports student achievement, and reflects the values of Banning Unified School District.
The Employee Recognition Program serves not only as a celebration of excellence, but also as an opportunity for our community to learn more about the remarkable individuals who serve our students and families every day.
Areas of Recognition
Selection Process
Employee recognition recipients are selected through a collaborative process involving peer nominations, school site input, district leadership review, and labor partner feedback where applicable. The process is designed to recognize employees who consistently demonstrate excellence, professionalism, service, and commitment to the District community.
Event Photos & Program
Additional event materials and photo galleries from the 2026 Employee Recognition Dinner are available below.
Meet the District Honorees for 2026
Throughout the year, Banning Unified School District will spotlight honorees through individual recognition stories highlighting their contributions, achievements, and impact across the District.
![Art Paz Named 2026 Principal of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477133/banningk12caus/sqvokumfabliylgpban3/24.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477133/banningk12caus/sqvokumfabliylgpban3/24.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477133/banningk12caus/sqvokumfabliylgpban3/24.png","width":800}])
Art Paz – Principal, Banning High School | 2026 Principal of the Year
![Benjamin Fontes Named 2026 Classified Employee of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477135/banningk12caus/wwcwuqetq07zhqe4f6gi/13.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477135/banningk12caus/wwcwuqetq07zhqe4f6gi/13.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477135/banningk12caus/wwcwuqetq07zhqe4f6gi/13.png","width":800}])
Benjamin Fontes – Custodian I, Cabazon Elementary School | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year
![Brandon Mason Named 2026 Certificated Administrator of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477136/banningk12caus/ponhtwbhqnlzoctt4px8/8.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477136/banningk12caus/ponhtwbhqnlzoctt4px8/8.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477136/banningk12caus/ponhtwbhqnlzoctt4px8/8.png","width":800}])
Brandon Mason – Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Banning High School | 2026 Certificated Administrator of the Year
![Elizabeth Rodriguez Named 2026 Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477136/banningk12caus/hxvryn8lkr4hdhn6iirz/21.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477136/banningk12caus/hxvryn8lkr4hdhn6iirz/21.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477136/banningk12caus/hxvryn8lkr4hdhn6iirz/21.png","width":800}])
Elizabeth Rodriguez – Teacher, Hemmerling Elementary School | 2026 Teacher of the Year
![Janet Ramirez Named 2026 Confidential Employee of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/reuadza0xgl4ojmlhxrk/9.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/reuadza0xgl4ojmlhxrk/9.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/reuadza0xgl4ojmlhxrk/9.png","width":800}])
Janet Ramirez – Administrative Assistant, Educational Services | 2026 Confidential Employee of the Year
![Jonathan Pilgrim Named 2026 Site Support Employee of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/uker4281mombvokxxb31/25.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/uker4281mombvokxxb31/25.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/uker4281mombvokxxb31/25.png","width":800}])
Jonathan Pilgrim – Speech & Language Specialist, Special Education | 2026 Site Support Employee of the Year
![Ryan Provencher Named 2026 Counselor of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477135/banningk12caus/ihavywqzlfye4zonvwa4/14.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477135/banningk12caus/ihavywqzlfye4zonvwa4/14.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477135/banningk12caus/ihavywqzlfye4zonvwa4/14.png","width":800}])
Ryan Provencher – Counselor, Coombs Alternative Education | 2026 Counselor of the Year
![Steven Barriga Named 2026 Classified Administrator of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477133/banningk12caus/hsrjvxl5uhjeotawt7j8/2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477133/banningk12caus/hsrjvxl5uhjeotawt7j8/2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477133/banningk12caus/hsrjvxl5uhjeotawt7j8/2.png","width":800}])
Steven Barriga – Innovation Technology Officer, Information Technology Services | 2026 Classified Administrator of the Year
Meet the Site Honorees for 2026
Throughout the year, Banning Unified School District will spotlight honorees through individual recognition stories highlighting their contributions, achievements, and impact across the District.
![Alexa Mosqueda Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/rt9ozr1prncyhmsfitaw/11.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/rt9ozr1prncyhmsfitaw/11.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/rt9ozr1prncyhmsfitaw/11.png","width":800}])
Alexa Mosqueda – AP Secretary, Nicolet Middle School | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Brian Davis Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/sfd6ckbbo5dluj2japab/4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/sfd6ckbbo5dluj2japab/4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/sfd6ckbbo5dluj2japab/4.png","width":800}])
Brian Davis – Network Administrator, Innovation Technology Services | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Celia Sanchez Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/dhiszc6jspks311hjevm/7.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/dhiszc6jspks311hjevm/7.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/dhiszc6jspks311hjevm/7.png","width":800}])
Celia Sanchez – Child Development Teacher, Florida Street Discovery Center | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Christopher Beerman Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477133/banningk12caus/sxkewzxjboadnoddg5me/22.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477133/banningk12caus/sxkewzxjboadnoddg5me/22.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477133/banningk12caus/sxkewzxjboadnoddg5me/22.png","width":800}])
Christopher Beerman – Intensive Behavior Intervention Teacher, Nicolet Middle School | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Ciprian Indries Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477136/banningk12caus/xv1s5hyj19nk75sjq2gv/15.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477136/banningk12caus/xv1s5hyj19nk75sjq2gv/15.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477136/banningk12caus/xv1s5hyj19nk75sjq2gv/15.png","width":800}])
Ciprian Indries – Teacher, Coombs Alternative Education | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Cristina Castillo Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477135/banningk12caus/hfkqb3skkmtzzzgy7znz/17.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477135/banningk12caus/hfkqb3skkmtzzzgy7znz/17.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477135/banningk12caus/hfkqb3skkmtzzzgy7znz/17.png","width":800}])
Cristina Castillo – Library Media Specialist, Hoffer Elementary School | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Dana Eckman Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477133/banningk12caus/acxfy3w9rcbq52wqub2k/5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477133/banningk12caus/acxfy3w9rcbq52wqub2k/5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477133/banningk12caus/acxfy3w9rcbq52wqub2k/5.png","width":800}])
Dana Eckman – Instructional Aide, Hemmerling Elementary School | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Hilda Luis-Scott Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477135/banningk12caus/juugi73qpya8spgsm5ar/16.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477135/banningk12caus/juugi73qpya8spgsm5ar/16.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477135/banningk12caus/juugi73qpya8spgsm5ar/16.png","width":800}])
Hilda Luis-Scott – Staff Secretary, Coombs Alternative Education | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Joshua Prisk Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/w94ojgeapvjggcuy0q7w/6.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/w94ojgeapvjggcuy0q7w/6.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/w94ojgeapvjggcuy0q7w/6.png","width":800}])
Joshua Prisk – Teacher, Banning High School | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Karla Pena Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477133/banningk12caus/gaqetj2mqanc81v9fcdp/3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477133/banningk12caus/gaqetj2mqanc81v9fcdp/3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477133/banningk12caus/gaqetj2mqanc81v9fcdp/3.png","width":800}])
Karla Pena – Bilingual Clerk, Central Elementary School | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Kathryn Kaiser Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/ayvr1hmlkx0wzc3fjojb/12.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/ayvr1hmlkx0wzc3fjojb/12.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/ayvr1hmlkx0wzc3fjojb/12.png","width":800}])
Kathryn Kaiser – Teacher, Cabazon Elementary School | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Leonor Ramirez Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477134/banningk12caus/gtbdjetzlrkt5zeajzgq/10.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477134/banningk12caus/gtbdjetzlrkt5zeajzgq/10.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477134/banningk12caus/gtbdjetzlrkt5zeajzgq/10.png","width":800}])
Leonor Ramirez – High School Secretary, Banning High School | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
![Leonorilda Chavez Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477135/banningk12caus/ybwncujnw4vglloacjxp/20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477135/banningk12caus/ybwncujnw4vglloacjxp/20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477135/banningk12caus/ybwncujnw4vglloacjxp/20.png","width":800}])
Leonorilda Chavez – Dual Immersion Teacher, Florida Street Discovery Center | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Mackenzie Sanchez Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477136/banningk12caus/h5bysgqjegevykrbyy1x/19.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477136/banningk12caus/h5bysgqjegevykrbyy1x/19.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477136/banningk12caus/h5bysgqjegevykrbyy1x/19.png","width":800}])
Mackenzie Sanchez – Teacher, Hoffer Elementary School | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Monica Rodriguez Honored as a 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477135/banningk12caus/vs2uc9gtnbgqrgu0au6o/18.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477135/banningk12caus/vs2uc9gtnbgqrgu0au6o/18.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477135/banningk12caus/vs2uc9gtnbgqrgu0au6o/18.png","width":800}])
Monica Rodriguez – Teacher, Central Elementary School | 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year Honoree
![Silvia Lomeli Iniguez Honored as a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Recipient]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779477133/banningk12caus/vivndkyttgpb0vtf5qex/23.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779477133/banningk12caus/vivndkyttgpb0vtf5qex/23.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779477133/banningk12caus/vivndkyttgpb0vtf5qex/23.png","width":800}])
Silvia Lomeli Iniguez – Staff Secretary, Instructional Services | 2026 Classified Employee of the Year Honoree
Meet the Years of Service Honorees & Retirees for 2026
Throughout the year, Banning Unified School District will spotlight honorees through individual recognition stories highlighting their contributions, achievements, and impact across the District.
![2026 Employees Recognized for 20 Years of Service]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779479598/banningk12caus/m8kkwvgapioobbv12c5f/26.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779479598/banningk12caus/m8kkwvgapioobbv12c5f/26.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779479598/banningk12caus/m8kkwvgapioobbv12c5f/26.png","width":800}])
Banning Unified School District recognizes employees celebrating 20 years of dedicated service during the 2025-26 school year.
![2026 Employees Recognized for 25 Years of Service]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779479598/banningk12caus/dokggvbrlah3gikzooux/27.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779479598/banningk12caus/dokggvbrlah3gikzooux/27.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779479598/banningk12caus/dokggvbrlah3gikzooux/27.png","width":800}])
Banning Unified School District recognizes employees celebrating 25 years of dedicated service during the 2025-26 school year.
![2026 Employees Recognized for 30+ Years of Service]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779479598/banningk12caus/ygve8xv5uxfhh7p0truv/28.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779479598/banningk12caus/ygve8xv5uxfhh7p0truv/28.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779479598/banningk12caus/ygve8xv5uxfhh7p0truv/28.png","width":800}])
Banning Unified School District recognizes employees celebrating more than 30 years of dedicated service during the 2025-26 school year.
![2026 Retirees Honored for Their Dedicated Service to Banning Unified School District]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779479598/banningk12caus/af7zovlqhwigkbstzoyq/29.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779479598/banningk12caus/af7zovlqhwigkbstzoyq/29.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779479598/banningk12caus/af7zovlqhwigkbstzoyq/29.png","width":800}])
Banning Unified School District recognizes the certificated and classified employees retiring during the 2025-26 school year for their years of dedicated service and lasting impact on students, staff, and the community.
We Are Banning
The Employee Recognition Program reflects the heart of Banning Unified School District — a community built on service, collaboration, dedication, and care for students. We are proud to celebrate the employees who help prepare, inspire, and educate every day.