Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Employee of the Year Award and the 2025 Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Teacher of the Year Nominee! As California’s premier provider of career technical education (CTE), the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program (NOCROP) recognized and honored outstanding employees who embody excellence in various facets of their roles. These awards serve as a testament to the exceptional contributions made by the team members in shaping the landscape of CTE and positively impacting the lives of our students and community members.

The Employee of the Year Award criteria encapsulate a range of qualities and achievements, each of which plays a pivotal role in advancing NOCROP’s mission and vision. The recipients have excelled in the following areas:

1. Amplifies ROP’s reputation, value, and visibility among stakeholders and within the greater community: Through their exemplary work and dedication, our awardees have significantly enhanced NOCROP’s standing and prominence within the community, fostering stronger partnerships and garnering greater support for our programs.
2. Bring contagious creativity, innovation, and passion to their areas of responsibility: The creativity and innovation demonstrated by our recipients have not only revitalized our approach to education but have also ignited a passion for learning among our students and colleagues alike.
3. Constructs powerful learning experiences for staff, stakeholders, and students: By crafting enriching and immersive learning experiences, our awardees have empowered both staff and students to reach new heights of academic and professional success, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
4. Makes recognizable contributions that have resulted in significant gains or long-term excellence: Their contributions have yielded tangible results, driving sustained excellence in student achievement, organizational goals, and overall program effectiveness.
5. Models high levels of professionalism through customer service: Our recipients have consistently exemplified professionalism and a student-centered approach, providing unparalleled support and guidance to all stakeholders with grace and empathy.
6. Promotes the mission, vision, and priorities of the organization: Through their unwavering commitment to NOCROP’s mission and vision, our awardees have played a pivotal role in advancing our organizational priorities and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
7. Provides opportunities to support students or extend learning beyond the classroom: They have gone above and beyond to create opportunities for students to excel, both inside and outside the classroom, nurturing their talents and aspirations beyond traditional educational boundaries.
8. Seeks out, collaborates with, and effectively mentors others: By fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship, our recipients have empowered their colleagues to grow and thrive, ensuring the continued success of our organization.
9. Serves in a leadership capacity beyond regular job duties: Their leadership extends far beyond their designated roles, as they actively engage in initiatives and projects that have a profound impact on our school communities and beyond.
10. Starts a new or revitalizes an established initiative or program: Through their innovative initiatives and programs, our awardees have sparked positive change and transformation within our organization, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Celebrating the outstanding achievements of these esteemed members:

• Jason Jassman, Food Service and Hospitality Pathway Instructor at Gilbert High School (Anaheim Union School District)
• Valerie Easton, Patient Care Pathway Instructor and HOSA Chapter Lead at Esperanza High School (Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District)
• Colleen Hanley, Patient Care Pathway (Dental) Instructor at Anaheim High School (Anaheim Union High School District)
• Casey Riggs, Coordinator, Curriculum, and Assessment (Certificated NOCROP Staff Member)
• Kim Mai, Student Information Technician (Classified NOCROP Staff Member)
• Gabriela Vargas, Job Placement Specialist (Classified NOCROP Staff Member) Gabriela also received the nominee for OCDE’s 2024 Classified Employee of the Year.

Additionally, congratulations to Jeffrey Bernier, Emergency Response Pathway Instructor at La Habra High School (Fullerton Joint Union High School District), as the 2025 OCDE Teacher of the Year Award Nominee.