LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Two local residents have been nominated for recognition for outstanding service.

Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook on Tuesday announced the naming of the two outstanding school employees as Lake County’s nominees to the California 2012 Classified School Employees of the Year.

The nominees are Mary Ann Mathews for para-educator and instructional assistance and Bernardo Santana Garcia for maintenance, operations and facilities.

Mathews is an instructional aide/special education secretary for Upper Lake High Union School District, where she has worked for more than 10 years.

Superintendent Pat Iaccino writes, “…there are times when you come across one of those rare individuals who can wear a number of hats, and wear them with style. She does all of this with a tremendous professionalism and a compassion and love for students that cannot be matched.”

“Mary Ann isn’t just involved, she gets other people to be involved,” said teacher and Athletic Director Sandy Coatney.

According to Director of Alternative Education Don Boyd, “Mary Ann’s leadership and commitment are second to none.  She is definitely a ‘walk the walker’ and not a 'talker.’”

Garcia is a custodian II/groundskeeper for the Konocti Unified School District, where he has worked for more than 14 years.

East Lake Elementary Principal Debi Malley writes, “Bernardo leads by example in responsibility to his work and respect of others.”  

“Bernardo is a wonderful example of excellent leadership qualities within his community,” said office assistant Mary Massingill.

“Bernardo’s involvement in the school community extends much farther than simply being a custodian,” wrote teacher Jon Mitchem. “He is a valuable member of our staff. It is because of this attitude and care for not only his job, but also the well being of the staff and students that I recommend Bernardo for Classified Employee of the Year.”

Each of these state nominees will now undergo a state review process, Holbrook reported.

The candidate evaluation is organized in four themes: work performance, school/community involvement, leadership and commitment, and service above and beyond.  

State awardees will be announced in April.  

May 20-26 is designated as 2012 Classified Employee Week. State awardees will be formally honored at a luncheon schedule for Thursday, May 24, in Sacramento.

Mathews and Garcia were honored, along with other district classified employees of the year and district teachers of the year, at the Lake County Teacher of the Year and Excellence in Education Award Dinner held last October.

Other classified employees who received recognition for excellence at that time were Luis Martinez, head custodian, Terrace Middle School, Lakeport Unified School District; Teri Langford, middle school/high school attendance clerk, Middletown Unified School District; and Wesley “Buddy” Thomas, maintenance technician, Upper Lake High Union School District.