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.

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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 THE 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 THE RECIPIENTS

2024/2025 NOMINATION HIGHLIGHTS

When I’m having trouble academically, Ms. Sura is always there to give me help. She has inspired me to follow my dreams, and her class is a fun environment to be in— it’s so cozy, calm, and warm, just like her.

Mr. Johns supports our students with the highest needs. He literally did laundry every week for two students who didn’t have clean clothes, and had food delivered to a student who didn’t have food before the 2-week holiday break.

Mrs. Amanda is one of the kindest, most hard-working adults at Donner Trail. She is more than her job title—she is mom, aid, and someone who always listens. Mrs. Amanda makes us feel loved and supports us in whatever we do.

Coach Mohun makes everyone he encounters feel better about themselves even after a brief encounter. He is never lacking for compassionate words or advice to share, and he demonstrates exceptional dedication, positivity, and a genuine care for everyone at Truckee High.

2024/2025 Award Winners

Linda Brown Fellows Recipients:

Mike Bensley, Truckee High School
Brittany Rose, Glenshire Elementary School
Jamie Schwartz, Kings Beach Elementary
Heidi Bushway Verkler, North Tahoe School
Dawn Rye, Tahoe Lake Elementary

Star Award Recipients:

Alicia Benavides, Kings Beach Elementary
Bernard Cirullo, District Maintenance
Ramon Delfin, Tahoe Lake Elementary
Kelly Frankenberg, Tahoe Lake Elementary Food Service
Cassie Frock, North Tahoe School

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