CARSON CITY, Nev. - Governor Steve Sisolak today announced his selection of two nominees to represent Nevada in the national selection process for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. Mr. Ronald McCullough and Ms. Carlene Pacheco were chosen by the Governor to represent Nevada based on their dedication to Nevada's students and school communities.

"Mr. Ronald McCullough and Ms. Carlene Pacheco are invaluable assets to their school communities," said Governor Steve Sisolak. "Both of these exemplary school employees have dedicated their lives to supporting their schools and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to our students daily. I am pleased to recognize these well-deserving school employees and express my gratitude for their tireless work."

The RISE Award, initiated by the U.S. Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (USED), honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service. Each state is invited to nominate up to two outstanding employees for selection of a national honoree by the U.S. Department of Education.

• Mr. Ronald McCullough is a paraprofessional at Las Vegas High School in Clark County School District. Mr. McCullough is a former Las Vegas High School student and says he carries the lessons he learned when he was in school. He works within the Autism program as a Special Programs Teacher Assistant. According to his coworkers, McCullough comes up with new and innovative ideas to engage students. Outside of the classroom, McCullough plays a pivotal role in the athletics program at Las Vegas High School.

• Ms. Carlene Pacheco is a paraprofessional and Title 6 Liaison at Churchill County High School in Churchill County School District. Ms. Pacheco is known for going above and beyond her job description. She is an advisor and counselor for Native American students and families in her district. Along with all her other work, she offers one-on-one tutoring, classroom support, and after-school tutoring. She has increased graduation rates among the students on her caseload.

"I'm thankful we have devoted, caring and hard-working Nevadans like Mr. McCullough, Ms. Pacheco, and our other RISE finalists who dedicate themselves to our students and improving our schools," said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. "I thank Governor Sisolak for selecting these two outstanding finalists, and I am proud to have them represent Nevada on the national stage."

Governor Sisolak chose Nevada's nominees from a pool of five finalists selected by the Nevada Department of Education. The selection process was anonymous, with all identifying information redacted so determinations could be made on the merit of the nomination.

The three other finalists include Mrs. Shiree Carter, Mrs. Patricia Dack and Mrs. Aurelia Shamblin.

• Mrs. Shiree Carter is the lunchroom manager at Edith W. Fritsch Elementary in Carson City School District.

• Mrs. Patricia Dack is the school secretary at Pinon Hills Elementary School in Douglas County School District.

• Mrs. Aurelia Shamblin is a paraprofessional at Wells Combined School in Elko County School District.

This is the third annual Nevada RISE Award selection. The two 2022 RISE Award recipients were Mr. Arthur Dahlstrom from Fernley High School, Lyon County School District; and Ms. Heather Staunton-Williams at Dayton High School, Lyon County School District.

The RISE Award recipient will be announced by the U.S. Department of Education in spring 2023.

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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 about NDE and join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.