ACSA Awards Program

One of ACSA's priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence. Through our annual awards program, we honor students, administrators and community organizations for their achievements and their dedication to public education at both the regional and state levels.

Program Overview:

• State Special Awards: (state level only)
  – Ferd Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award
  – Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence
• Special Awards: (region and state levels)
  – Valuing Diversity Award
  – Partners in Educational Excellence Award
  – Robert E. Kelly Award for Outstanding Community Service
• Administrators of the Year (region and state levels)
• Every Student Succeeding Program (region and state levels)

Contact Us

ACSA Awards Program
Emily Agpoon, Program Coordinator
eagpoon(at)acsa.org | (916) 329-3833 (call or text)

Every Student Succeeding Program

Each year, ACSA recognizes 19 pre-K-adult students, one from each geographic region, as well as two California adult education students, for overcoming the odds and achieving success. Find out more.

Other ACSA Awards

• Exemplary Woman in Education Award, presented at the Women in School Leadership Forum in September
• Ray Curry Award, presented at the Personnel & Negotiations Symposium in September
• Negotiator of the Year, presented at the Personnel & Negotiations Symposium in September

Ferd Kiesel Memorial
Distinguished Service Award

The Ferd. Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award is ACSA's highest honor. Each year, we honor one individual who has made a significant contribution to education. The award is named after Ferd. Kiesel, ACSA founding president, a man whose personal commitment to schools and students—and to this association—was exemplary.

Dr. Holly Edds
Superintendent, Orcutt Union SD
Region 13

Marcus Foster Memorial Award for
Administrator Excellence

ACSA established the Marcus Foster Memorial Award to honor educators who model the vision of Marcus Foster. Foster took risks to improve educational opportunities. His inclusive management style gave community and staff comfort and confidence. He was creative, and willing to try new ideas to reach out to students. Foster was a skilled manager of change.

Recipients of this award receive a $5,000 grant for a high school senior or seniors.

Dr. Frances Ufondu
Chief Business Officer, Palmdale SD
Region 15

Robert E. Kelly Award for Outstanding Community Service

ACSA's Robert E. Kelly Award honors individuals who help advance the high quality of public education and who have made significant contributions on a volunteer basis over the years.

Dr. Mary L. Lawlor
Region 18

Partners in Educational Excellence

ACSA's Partners in Educational Excellence Award recognizes exemplary school-community partnership programs.

Sci Phy Program in Partnership with Science Fleet Center
Region 18

Valuing Diversity Award

ACSA's Valuing Diversity Award recognizes those who further ACSA's mission by promoting diversity and support for all children, parents and staff.

Juan Cruz
Superintendent, Franklin-McKinley SD
Region 8

Superintendent of the Year

Mauricio Arellano
Superintendent, San Bernardino CUSD
Region 12

Secondary Principal of the Year

Derrick Lawson
Principal, Indio High School, Desert Sands USD
Region 19

Middle Grades Principal of the Year

Sherry Strausbaugh
Principal, Thornton Middle School, Fremont USD
Region 6

Elementary Principal of the Year

Dr. Jacqueline Duncan
Elementary Principal, Bay Laurel Elementary School, Las Virgenes USD
Region 13

Central Office Administrator of the Year

Joann Vaars, Ed.D.
Director of Educational Services, Santa Clara COE
Region 8

Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year

Cara Vienna
Assistant Principal, Los Alamitos High School, Los Alamitos USD
Region 17

Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year

Michelle Davidson
Vice Principal, Horace Mann Elementary, Bakersfield CSD
Region 11

Classified Leader of the Year

Michael Maaske
Director of Nutrition Services, Sylvan Union SD
Region 7

Confidential Employee of the Year

Antoinette Chambers
Executive Secretary to the Board of Education, Modesto City Schools
Region 7

Personnel/Human Resources Administrator
of the Year

Dr. David Appling
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Magnolia SD
Region 17

Adult Education Administrator of the Year

Jay C. Marquand, Ph.D.
Director of Adult Education, Sweetwater Union HSD
Region 18

Career Technical Education Administrator
of the Year

Lisa Rodriguez
Director of Student Services, Kings COE
Region 11

Special Education Administrator of the Year

Dr. Julie Hong
Director of Instructional Support, Innovation, and Competitive Advantage, Riverside COE
Region 19

Superintendent/Principal of the Year

Dr. Michelle Farrer
Superintendent/Principal, Children’s Community Charter School
Region 2

Business Services Administrator of the Year

Dr. Annette V. Alpern
Deputy Superintendent, Administrative Services, Redondo Beach USD
Region 14

Student Services Administrator of the Year

Dr. Edison Kelly
Director of Student Services, Vallejo CUSD
Region 4

Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
of the Year

Dr. Shawna Dinkins
Deputy Superintendent, Lynwood USD
Region 14

Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year

Dr. Jose Alonso Ramirez
Principal, Horizon School and Summit High School, Desert Sands USD
Region 19

Professor of Education of the Year

Dr. Kimberlee McKenzie
Senior Director of Professional Leadership, Shasta COE
Region 1

Retired Administrator of the Year

Clifford E. Tyler, Ed.D.
Region 8

Technology Administrator of the Year

Dr. Dominic Nguyen
Director of Innovation and Expanded Learning, Centralia ESD
Region 17