SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) community recently came together for special events honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on local education and the South Lake Tahoe community.
Five distinguished community leaders were recently inducted into the LTUSD Hall of Distinction: Former Students Manny Alvarez and Brooke Laine, Distinguished Service Kathi Jensen, and Former Employees Bob Grant and Ivone Larson. Each honoree was recognized for their exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to supporting students, schools, and the community. For more details about the inductees, please visit LTUSD Hall of Distinction.
Following the induction ceremony, students, staff, families, and community members gathered at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course for the annual Celebration of Education, hosted by the Lake Tahoe Education Foundation (LTEF) and Veregy. The event featured musical performances by LTUSD students, recognition of the District’s Staff Members of the Year, and an opportunity to celebrate the many individuals and organizations that contribute to student success.
Congratulations to the 2026 Hall of Distinction inductees and to all those recognized during the Celebration of Education. Their dedication, generosity, and service continue to make a lasting difference for LTUSD students and families.
The LTUSD employees of the year were honored during the school board’s June 11 meeting:
Employees of the Year
- Al Tahoe: Matt Bishop (Classified) and Sara Justice (Certificated)
- Bijou: Yvonne Castillo (Classified) and Stephanie Reyes (Certificated)
- Sierra House: Ernesto Sanchez (Classified) and Sarah Hubbard (Certificated)
- Tahoe Valley – Zareth Rojas (Classified) and Katie Bongard (Certificated)
- Meyers: Jessica Briggs (Classified) and Chelsea Cashner (Certificated)
- STMS: Jessica Melton (Classified) and Katie Fisher (Certificated)
- STHS: Deanne Evans (Classified) and Richard Kinnett (Certificated)
- District: Coral Lathrop (Supervisory) and Angela Ramirez (Classified)
District Employees of the Year
- Katie Bongard, Counselor at Tahoe Valley, Certificated Employee of the Year
- Richard Kinnett, Teacher at STHS, Certificated Employee of the Year
- Jessica Melton, Library Technician at STMS, Classified Employee of the Year
- Coral Lathrop, Supervisor in the Transportation department, Supervisory Employee of the Year.
LTUSD extends its sincere appreciation to LTEF and Veregy for organizing and sponsoring a memorable evening that highlighted the strength of our schools and community.
