Honor Roll round 2: Vote for who makes a difference in your Sacramento-area school

We are down to our top eight changemakers and one step closer to nominating The Sacramento Bee’s Honor Roll winner.

The voting process began Monday, with 16 candidates. Nearly 2,200 votes were cast to narrow the field to eight.

Round 2 will run until Monday, May 15. Then, we’ll narrow the poll down to our final four before we select the Honor Roll winner for the year.

If you need a refresher on the nominees, you can read about them below. Otherwise, vote here:

Submitted testimonials have been paraphrased for brevity and clarity.

Kim Zeltvay

Kim Zeltvay, principal at Gold River Discovery Center. Handout from Kim Zeltvay
Kim Zeltvay, principal at Gold River Discovery Center. Handout from Kim Zeltvay

What does she do?: Principal at Gold River Discovery Center.

Testimonial: Kim Zeltvay is an amazing principal. She is a tireless and dedicated principal. She reads in the classrooms of the lower grades and co-teaches in the higher grades in the K-8th school. She is highly visible - - high fiving the students, teaching social emotional learning lessons in the daily televised ‘morning school message’. She plays ball with the students at recess. As an incentive, she has allowed kids to earn the privilege of throwing a pie at her. She has motivated students with a student store to recognize pro-social, positive behavior.

Freddie Bryant

Fred Bryant, restorative justice educator and athletic administrator at San Juan High School Fred Bryant
Fred Bryant, restorative justice educator and athletic administrator at San Juan High School Fred Bryant

What does he do?: Restorative justice educator and athletic administrator at San Juan High School

Testimonial: Freddie was recently selected to receive a Spirit of San Juan Award in our district. Students and staff agree his door is open for everybody. Everyone knows they can come to him no matter their issue. Freddie takes on many roles including: teacher, restorative justice coordinator, athletic director, BSU advisor, student government advisor, basketball coach, track coach and intervention specialist.

Ronnie Roshawn

Ronnie Roshawn Head Custodian at Carriage Elementary School Ronnie Roshawn
Ronnie Roshawn Head Custodian at Carriage Elementary School Ronnie Roshawn

What does he do?: Head Custodian at Carriage Elementary School.

Testimonial: Ronnie was recently selected to receive a Spirit of San Juan Award in our district. He makes time to sit down and talk to students, and shows empathy for students facing challenges. The students and staff feel cared about and supported by him, they agree that a day without Ronnie is a cloudy day.

Joseph Wong

Joseph Wong, kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary Joseph Wong handout
Joseph Wong, kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary Joseph Wong handout

What does he do?: Kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary.

Testimonial: One of the best teachers. Mr. Wong goes out of his way to make each kid feel important. He’s patient and makes learning fun!

Neng Her

Neng Her, Principal at Edward Kemble Elementary School. Handout from Neng Her.
Neng Her, Principal at Edward Kemble Elementary School. Handout from Neng Her.

What does she do?: Principal at Edward Kemble Elementary School.

Testimonial: Mrs. Her is a phenomenal principal who goes above and beyond every day! Students are always at the center of every decision she makes. She is closely invested in the community, visiting homes and bringing food to ensure that families have what they need to be successful. She is a gem!

Kristin Adams

Kristin Adams, 4rth grade teacher at Two Rivers Elementary School Handout from Kristin Adams
Kristin Adams, 4rth grade teacher at Two Rivers Elementary School Handout from Kristin Adams

What does she do?: Fourth grade teacher at Two Rivers Elementary School.

Testimonial: Ms. Adams gets to know her students personally. Her mission is to educate students and make learning fun. She engages the parents and includes families, which creates a community environment. She tutors after school and teaches choir, too. AMAZING! I could go on.

Mitch Weathers

Mitch Weathers Handout from Mitch Weathers
Mitch Weathers Handout from Mitch Weathers

What does he do?: Teacher at Visions In Education Charter School

Testimonial: Mr. Weathers is a gift to the world. He recognizes and acknowledges students for doing the right thing and exhibiting healthy behaviors. He is inclusive, empathetic, and encouraging. He is more than an educator, he’s a nurturer. My student has struggled with mental health issues, and he cared for the well being of her education and mental health.

Gema Godina

Gema Godina, principal at Washington Elementary School. Handout from Gema Godina.
Gema Godina, principal at Washington Elementary School. Handout from Gema Godina.

What does she do?: Principal at Washington Elementary School.

Testimonial: She does an amazing job at centering equity concerns in a way that benefits the whole school.

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