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UPPER LAKE, Calif. — Two outstanding Lake County educators recently received a visit from Congressman Mike Thompson, who honored them for achievements in their field.
On Monday, Oct. 30, Congressman Mike Thompson presided over a ceremony honoring Upper Lake Unified School District’s Superintendent Dr. Giovanni Annous and Dean of Students Anna Sabalone for their extraordinary achievements in service to the district and the Northshore Community.
Both received a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” presented by Thompson.
Dr. Annous was recently recognized by the Small School Districts Association as 2023 California Superintendent of the Year, and Sabalone was recognized as 2023 Lake County Teacher of the Year.
During the event, Congressman Thompson praised the efforts of Dr. Annous for implementing positive change while solidifying a strong sense of community and belonging at the district.
He noted that Dr. Annous’ dedication to excellence in educational leadership and for his going above and beyond for students every day.
Congressman Thompson also hailed his support of empowering the next generation of adults.
In addition to the accolades directed to Dr. Annous, Sabalone also was congratulated on her various achievements as a teacher in the district, having taught and shepherded students of the Northshore for nearly 20 years.
Sabalone, a very creative artist at heart, would lead her students from the linear to the abstract as applied to both thinking and artistic talent.
Well respected by her peers and the Northshore Community, Sabalone embodies education excellence.
After the presentation of the Congressional Recognition certificate, Dr. Annous thanked the Congressman for his support in the arena of education and his dedication to those in his district.
Annous continued and thanked Lake County Supervisor Eddie (EJ) Crandell for his support over the years, working on behalf of students to increase services and provide access for all students.
Dr. Annous also thanked the Habematolel-Pomo of Upper Lake and Robinson Rancheria for their partnership over the years, whether it had been in the area of facility and program improvements, as well as student engagement.
In attendance were Upper Lake Unified School District Board President Diane Plante and Vice President Joanne Breton, and Lake County Office of Education Superintendent Brock Falkenberg, who received recognition from Dr. Annous for their support and continued service to the public of Lake County.
Sabalone expressed her gratitude for her fellow staff members and the school district’s administration for supporting her over the years she had been teaching, and commented further about how she had benefited from the core friendships she had established during her tenure.
Annous thanked the school district staff and community noting that none of the achievements would have been possible without their support. Although a laborious journey, he said it was one of camaraderie with a focus on community and collective growth.
The ceremony concluded with a quick word by Plante and Breton who said that they weren’t completely surprised at the recognition as it was simply an acknowledgment of what the school board had known for years.
They closed by expressing their gratitude for the servant leadership they provide, not only to the school community, but also to the greater community of Lake County.