Nine Sacramento-area school employees were recognized for their dedication and service during a special on-field ceremony at a recent Sacramento River Cats game, thanks to a partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Among the honorees was Bryan Cooper of Folsom Cordova Unified School District, who was also recognized at the state level by the California Department of Education as one of nine statewide 2025 Classified School Employees of the Year.
The celebration, held June 29 at Sutter Health Park, was part of a statewide initiative by SchoolsFirst FCU, California’s largest credit union serving school employees and their families, to honor the vital role of classified staff in school operations. The nine honorees, representing Sacramento County, were selected for their exemplary work in essential non-certificated, non-management positions, ranging from food services and transportation to technical support and student health.
“It’s a privilege to recognize the contributions of classified school employees for their dedication and leadership in their schools and communities,” said Josh Smith, vice president of school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU. “Classified employees are vital to ensuring daily education operations run smoothly and are often unsung heroes behind the scenes providing administrative, technical and operational support for the students and teachers.”
In addition to Cooper, who works in technical services at Folsom Cordova USD, several other employees from the district were also honored, including Manuela Aguilar Dominguez (Food and Nutrition Services), Terry Douglas (Security Services), Duane Martinez (Transportation Services), and Gerald Worley (Custodial and Maintenance Services).
Other Sacramento-area honorees included Marythony Sohl (Clerical and Administrative Services) and David Wilkerson (Skilled Trades Services) from San Juan Unified School District, and Efrain Alanis (Health and Student Services) and Karen Beukema (Paraprofessional Services) from Twin Rivers Unified.
In total, SchoolsFirst FCU recognized 30 classified school employees across four California counties this year, continuing its tradition of honoring the essential contributions of those who keep schools running behind the scenes.
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