Two Nevada school employees have been recognized with the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Beverly Singleton, a special education paraprofessional at Edith W. Fritsch Elementary School in Carson City, and Vyron Wallace, a campus security monitor at Foothill High School in Clark County, were selected for their outstanding service to students.
Governor Joe Lombardo expressed his congratulations: “I would like to congratulate Beverly and Vyron for their tremendous contributions to our state’s schools and students. They serve as role models and are shining examples of the vital role that support staff play in our schools.”
Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction, also praised the winners: “I am incredibly proud of our Nevada RISE Award winners and finalists. Their passion and dedication to serving students over their long tenures is inspirational, and they are so deserving of this national recognition.”
The RISE Award was initiated by the U.S. Congress in 2019 and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. It honors classified school employees who provide exceptional service to students.
The selection process involved choosing two nominees from five finalists identified by the Nevada Department of Education. The process was anonymous with identifying information removed to ensure decisions were based solely on merit.
Eligible school staff for the award include paraprofessionals, skilled trade professionals, clerical and administrative workers, transportation staff, food and nutrition personnel, custodial staff, maintenance workers, security personnel, technical staff, as well as health and student services positions.
Singleton has served at Edith W. Fritsch Elementary since 1984 when she started as a noon aide before becoming an instructional aide. She has been a full-time special education paraprofessional since 1999.
Wallace has worked as a campus security monitor at Foothill High School in Henderson for over ten years and exemplifies leadership through action.