Folsom Cordova's annual Employee Recognition event was held Tuesday, May 1 at the Folsom Community Center and was hosted by Cordova High graduate and Good Day Sacramento Co-Host   Ken Rudulph. 

Superintendent Sarah Koligian announced the Employees of the Year to a spirited crowd of nearly 600 employees:

Administrator of the Year is Linda Burkholder, Director of Family Engagement and Support Services. Burkholder is a hardworking veteran of our school communities whose heart for children and families shows through the work she does daily. Her dedication to provide our most vulnerable students with after school care, academic support and enrichment activities they need to succeed. Burkholder works to empower Parent Coordinators and school site staff to create a welcoming school environment  for all of our students and their families. 

Classified Employee of the Year Head Custodian Brent Jones of Williamson Elementary. Jones is known for building strong relationships with school staff and students, carving out time between his duties to support and be a role model for students on behavior plans. He demonstrates caring and commitment beyond the school bell, recently convincing Lowe's to rehab the school's front planters and volunteered over a weekend to support the project. Jones is never to busy to help if he is called over the walkie-talkie and is known for his attention to detail and impeccable organization skills.

Teacher of the Year is veteran science teacher Kristy Guarienti of Folsom High with nearly two decades of experience, who is known for building strong connections with students and inspiring them to connect with what they learn in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physical Earth Science and more to current social and environmental issues. Guarienti contributes to a positive and supportive school culture by inspiring her students towards service opportunities outside of the classroom. Under her leadership, her students travel to middle and elementary schools to educate students about the dangers of drug, alcohol and tobacco use, which gives her students confidence in as public speakers and to make healthy life choices. Her colleagues said she brings a distinct combination of skill, caring and commitment to her profession. 

Stay tuned: We'll be posting an extensive photo gallery of all of our honorees, including long-term employees, retirees, and school site recognition, next week! Stay tuned also for video profiles of some of our honorees. 

Congratulations to all of the employees celebrated and honored at this year's event!