Kyrene School District announced on May 11 the recipients of its Kyrene Values Awards for the fourth quarter of the 2025-26 school year, recognizing employees who exemplify collaboration, connection, compassion, and courage.
The awards highlight staff members across various roles who have made notable contributions to fostering unity and supporting student success. Recognizing excellence in Kyrene is a long-standing tradition that has celebrated educators for nearly a decade. Since the inception of the Kyrene Values Awards, over 800 employees have been honored.
Among this quarter’s honorees are Nicole Anaradian, Resource Teacher at Kyrene de los Niños; Alexis Carlow, Education Technology Facilitator; Jessica De Grauw, Academic Coach at Kyrene de las Lomas; Regina Fralia, Instructional Assistant at CCB, Kyrene de la Esperanza; Vicky Gutierrez, Instructional Assistant at Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy; Elizabeth Hammer, ELD Teacher at Kyrene de la Paloma Arts Integration Academy; Eva Harlow, Program Manager for Community Education; Steph Kosakowski, PE Teacher at Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy; Pam Olney, Art Teacher at Kyrene del Milenio; Kim Skousen, Media Technician at Kyrene de los Cerritos; Nick Steele, Program Coordinator II for Community Education; and Felicia Williams—Principal of Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy—who was recognized in all four categories: connection, compassion, collaboration and courage.
Honorees were commended by colleagues for their teamwork and leadership. “Nicole truly makes a difference by embracing a spirit of unity,” one colleague said about Anaradian. Of Carlow: “She creates a judgment-free environment where no question is ever considered ‘dumb.'” Regarding De Grauw: “Her leadership has shifted our school culture toward one of collaboration.” Colleagues described Fralia as creating classrooms where every student feels seen and valued. Hammer was noted as “a strong leader throughout the learning process.” Williams was praised as an exemplary principal who has fostered a thriving community that connects students and staff.
Kyrene School District fosters inclusive learning environments where students feel valued and develop a sense of belonging according to the official website. The district seeks to deliver excellence in education through strategic initiatives while offering rigorous academic programs focused on building knowledge and skills. A five-member elected governing board oversees policy development within the district. Operating as a public school district in Arizona with more than 135 years of history providing educational excellence in the state,according to the official website.
The ongoing recognition program aims to motivate staff members to continue their efforts towards student achievement while strengthening community ties within schools.
