These are the men and women who light the way
For over three decades, the Alisal Union School District has recognized classified and certificated staff with the “Luminaria” award, a distinction reserved for the top two employees at every site and District department.
The Luminaria Award is presented to staff members who have distinguished themselves for their service and dedication to students and families; who shine a bright light for others to follow. They are men and women who have gone above and beyond their job duties to ensure that students and families receive the best education possible, the best meals, the best possible service in each and every way.
Inscribed in the Luminaria certificate the following quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson reads: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” The following employees exemplify this spirit of leadership, and they all have been presented with a certificate, flowers, balloons, and a gift certificate sponsored by La Plaza Bakery and Hartnell College Foundation. We are deeply grateful for their support of our staff.
The 2026 Alisal USD Luminarias are:
Alisal Community School
Artemio Duje**
Julie Mejia
Bardin Elementary
Mayra Solorio-Méndez
José Fernández
Cesar E. Chávez Elementary
Ana Rodríguez**
Erika Mejia
Creekside Elementary
Sandra Sánchez
Cynthia López
Frank Paul Elementary
Sergio Coronel
Judy Tamayo
Fremont Elementary
Raul Moncayo
Sandra Torres
Dr. Oscar F. Loya Elementary
Ma. del Rosario Quintero Uribe
Maria Pelagio
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Academy
María Sánchez
Yesenia Gutiérrez
Monte Bella Elementary
Sandra Contreras
Irma Zúñiga
Jesse G. Sánchez Elementary
Raymundo Leal
Guadalupe Ceja
John E. Steinbeck Elementary
Raquel Martínez
Erin Ortwig-Sawyer ** (Alisal USD Teacher of the Year)
Virginia Rocca Barton Elementary
Guadalupe Chávez
Daizzyree Esgana
District Wide
Ruby Constantino – District Office
Jonathan Sánchez – Maintenance, MOTS
Stella Sánchez – Food Services – Central Kitchen**
Marisela González – Pupil Personnel Services
Estella Rico– Transportation*
Mary Zamarripa – Migrant Education*
Congratulations to all Luminaria recipients. The District has been tasked with educating more than 7,300 students in one of the most deserving areas in California. The families in Alisal send their best students, and they should receive the best education and care. All of you, Luminarias, are giving your best to these students and their families, and the Alisal Union School District shines brighter because of the light you provide.
*Ms. Estella Rico and Ms. Mary Zamarripa were selected by the Monterey County Office of Education as county employees for 2026 in the Student Health Services and Transportation categories. It is an honor for the entire Alisal Union School District to have these dedicated employees represent us.
**Ms. Erin Ortwig-Sawyer, Ms. Stella Sánchez, Mr. Artemio Duje, and Ms. Ana Rodríguez were honored during the annual Monterey County Office of Education Employee of the Year gala event on May 8, 2026, as Alisal USD employees of the year.