Recognizing Heroes

Celebrating Excellence

Every year, the Linda Brown Fellows and Star Awards recognize and reward exceptional teachers and classified (non-teaching) staff in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. The nomination window is open every year in the spring. Recipients are announced at our annual awards ceremony in the fall. Nominations are now closed. Sign up for our newsletter to find out who won and when nominations open again.

Sign up for our newsletter for updates!

THE LINDA BROWN Fellows Award

Celebrating Innovators in THE CLASSROOM

Nominated by parents, teachers, students, and community members, the Linda Brown Fellows Awards are presented to teachers who demonstrate creativity, exceptional merit, dedication to innovation, and a commitment to making learning exciting every day. Recipients receive a $2,000 grant for educational enhancement and $1,500 for personal use.

MEET THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS

the star award

recognizing dedication

Star Awards recognize classified staff members who go above and beyond to provide truly outstanding support. Winners receive $1,500 for their personal use. Star Awards winners are nominated by parents, teachers, students, and community members.

MEET THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS

2026/2027 NOMINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Tehya Cannon is a mentor, an expert, and a friend to the kids, and our school is a better place because she’s in it. In a nut shell, she is irreplaceable, a unicorn, super woman and the children’s champion.

Kevin Flores was hired for a specific job, but in reality, he helps every single kid on campus. He is the wise older brother who helps guide students through the trials and tribulations of high school life.

The enthusiasm, confidence, and deep interest Ms. McCaffery instills in her students truly set her apart. She has a remarkable ability to connect with each child and make learning both engaging and meaningful.

In Ms. Ortega’s classroom, students feel seen, supported, and inspired to participate. She leads with intention, warmth, and genuine care, creating an environment where learning feels joyful and meaningful.

2025/2026 Award Winners

Linda Brown Fellows Recipients:

Graham Johns: Glenshire Elementary School
Kristen Sura: North Tahoe School
Neysa Williams: Alder Creek Middle School
Jessica Jacobs: Truckee High School

Star Award Recipients:

Ivana Cobos: Alder Creek Middle School
Tom Mohun: Truckee High School
Salvador Guerrero Angel: Truckee High School
Amanda Richardson: Donner Trail Elementary

Subscribe to our newsletter

Be the first to know when fundraising programs open, hear stories from our teachers, learn about upcoming events, and more. In your inbox, once a month.

Thanks to our local Partners

animated video preview

Learn more about our foundation’s history

Want to know more about why we do what we do and how we do it? Enjoy this video that shines light on our mission and our “why.”