November 14, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Two classified school employees have been named winners of the Nevada Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.

Amber Bass, a nutrition services employee in the Washoe County School District, and Charlotte Blake, bookkeeper at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, were selected for the award.

“I am proud to recognize Amber and Charlotte as Nevada’s RISE Award recipients,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “They are shining examples of how classified school employees go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of students across our state.”

The RISE Award, initiated by the U.S. Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide outstanding service to students.

The awards program highlights the valuable contributions and crucial role of classified employees in schools.

“Classified employees are the backbone of Nevada’s public schools and play a critical role in ensuring that student needs are met,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Amber and Charlotte truly stand out as role models through their high-quality and meticulous work, dedication, and compassion. They are so deserving of this recognition.”

The Governor’s Office chose two Nevada RISE awardees from a pool of five finalists selected through a rigorous nomination process facilitated by the Nevada Department of Education. The selection process was anonymous, with all identifying information redacted.

The Nevada RISE awardees now go on to apply to the U.S. Department of Education for the national RISE Award to be determined in spring 2026.
The three finalists for the RISE Award are:

• Wakesha Clemons, security services at Fertitta Middle School (Clark County School District)

• Megan Huntsman, clerical administrative services at Meadow Valley Middle School (Lincoln County School District)

• Sara White, paraprofessional at Silver Stage High School (Lyon County School District)

School staff eligible for the RISE Award include paraprofessionals, skilled trade professionals, and those who work in clerical and administrative, transportation, food and nutrition, custodial and maintenance, security, technical, and health and student services positions.

More about the Recipients

• Amber Bass, nutrition services employee in the Washoe County School District

Bass has worked in the Washoe County School District’s central nutrition services kitchen since 2006 for the special programs department.

She prepares meals and coordinates individualized meal plans for approximately 70 students who have allergies, unique feeding styles, or specific nutritional needs.

Many of the students have life-threatening allergies or complex medical conditions.

“Amber’s compassion, precision, and unwavering advocacy for kids embody the very best of classified employees,” according to her nomination. “Amber gives students not only nourishment, but safety, belonging, and hope.”

• Charlotte Blake, bookkeeper at Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (State Public Charter School Authority)

Blake, bookkeeper and manager of the National School Lunch Program, is described by her principal as “indispensable.”

She was praised in her nomination for her accuracy, responsiveness, exceptional communication skills, and empathy.

Blake manages more than a million dollars in student-generated and before/after care funds with “meticulous care and integrity,” according to the nomination.

She also organizes the school’s annual Angel Tree to ensure every child receives holiday gifts discreetly, preserving families’ dignity.

“More than anything, Charlotte reminds us that schools are only as strong as the people who care for them,” according to the nomination. “Charlotte’s willingness to do anything – from cleaning up a spill to building a budget – is a powerful testament to the integrity and impact of classified staff. Charlotte is a model for what’s possible when heart and skill meet in service to students and community.”

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.