Community Education administrative assistant Melinda Hunt named Apple Achievement Award recipient

FEBRUARY 12, 2024       

COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEWS —  Melinda Hunt, administrative assistant to Scott VanDerMillen, was selected by the PRIDE Committee as a 2023-2024 recipient of the Apple Achievement Award for the Community Education department.

The Apple Achievement Award is Chandler Unified School District’s (CUSD) staff recognition program. Each year, an employee from each CUSD site is recognized by the superintendent and governing board for their exemplary work with the district. Both certified and classified staff are eligible for this award. In order to be nominated and chosen for this award, employees must show excellence in multiple areas:

• Be a strong supporter of Chandler schools
• Demonstrate initiative in the improvement of instruction
• Exhibit a high degree of willingness to assist other staff members
• Display a genuine concern for and effectively communicate with students/staff
• Contribute to positive staff/morale
• Strive for personal and professional growth
• Maintain high standards in all job-related tasks

As the administrative assistant to the director of Community Education, Hunt plays a big role in ensuring things in the department run smoothly. She interacts with all areas of the district office, office staff, other departments within the district, vendors, and families. Payroll, EPARS, purchase orders, evaluations, purchasing, Amazon orders, and custodial orders are just a few of the projects that come across her desk regularly.

Hunts’ favorite part of her job is knowing the impact she has on so many families. “[With] the programming provided in CUSD, we can have a student with us for 18+ years,” explained Hunt. She sees the potential to interact with so many families as an opportunity to make a positive impact. Hunt also lists the people she gets to work with as a major positive. “Our family at Community Education is 250+ strong with some of the most dedicated and lovely staff members,” added Hunt. “We have a very tight-knit family in our office. We celebrate each other’s achievements and heartbreaks and share a potluck meal once a month!”

Hunt does so much for the Community Education department and really encompasses all it means to be a recipient of the Apple Achievement Award. “Melinda Hunt exemplifies the excellence that this recognition represents,” explained Scott VanDerMillen, director of Community Education. “CUSD and Community Education are extremely fortunate to have Mel as part of our team. The contributions and support she demonstrates on a daily basis are immeasurable.”

Community Education’s Apple Achievement Award winner has an enormous impact on her colleagues and the workplace culture. “She serves as an invaluable resource to the entire team, readily sharing her expertise and offering support whenever needed,” commented Gina Bonilla, Community Education enrichment division manager. “Her consistent positive attitude and active role in shaping our workplace culture greatly enhance our environment each day.”

Hunt’s title may say administrative assistant, but she really does it all. She is extremely knowledgeable about her department and the district — and she’s kind to everyone. Her knowledge and care for others comes through in any interaction you have with her, whether you are a colleague or a family with children in Community Education programming.

Hunt was very excited upon hearing she was this year’s recipient of the Apple Achievement Award. “I know what an honor it is to receive this award,” reflected Hunt. “It’s so much more special to know it came from my colleagues.”

The Apple Achievement Award has been going on for more than 25 years. Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on February 21. The award ceremony will be recorded and available for viewing on Cable Channel 99 or on the CUSD YouTube page upon the conclusion of the event.

2023-2024 Chandler Unified School District Apple Achievement Award Recipients (Staff):

Alicia Arellano, special education facilitator, Student Services Center

Alma Rodriguez, counselor, San Marcos Elementary School

Amy Carpenter, media specialist, Navarrete Elementary School

Andrea Hays, third grade teacher, Carlson Elementary School

Andrea Vanlandingham, technology teacher, Sanborn Elementary School

Andrew Penland, English language arts teacher, Chandler Online Academy

Angelica Abbey, sixth grade teacher, Frye Elementary School

Anja Hassell, security guard, Casteel High School

April Lucas, first grade teacher, Auxier Elementary School

Arturo Valenzuela, bus attendant, Transportation

Ashley Kuproski, sixth grade teacher, Haley Elementary School

Carlos Quinio, music teacher, Galveston Elementary School

Carly Mahlmeister, behavior specialist, Bologna Elementary School

Cassie Weber, resource teacher, Santan Elementary School

Cheryl Neuberger, reading specialist, Riggs Elementary School

Craig Pillar, warehouse & delivery associate, Warehouse

DaviAnne Fife, office manager, Conley Elementary School

Denise Grosse, administrative secretary, Hamilton High School

Hailee Wilde, paraeducator, Payne Junior High School

Jan Lockett, second grade teacher, Jacobson Elementary School

Jane Starkey, media specialist, Andersen Elementary School

Jennifer Hess, third grade teacher, Basha Elementary School

Jennifer Sarpy, third grade teacher, Rice Elementary School

Joanna Law, academic coach, Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School

Julie Cline, paraeducator, CTA Liberty

Katie Landon, music teacher, Patterson Elementary School

Keith Miller, security guard, Hill Learning Academy

Kelli Wardman, first grade teacher, CTA Independence

Keri McCarthy, administrative secretary, Elite Performance Academy

Kerry Grimes, counselor, Arizona College Prep Middle School

Kim Wortman, teacher, Chandler Learning Center

Kim Oliver, administrative clerk, Tarwater Elementary School

Lauren Randel, director of business services, District Office

Lisa Reynolds, fourth grade teacher, Ryan Elementary School

Luz Velazco, custodian, Support Services

Margaret Sullivan, sixth grade teacher, Andersen Junior High School

Mari Hunter, paraeducator, Weinberg Gifted Academy

Mark Pfeffer, physical education teacher, Fulton Elementary School

Melinda Hunt, administrative assistant, Community Education

Melissa Trafficante, music teacher, Hull Elementary School

Mercedes Morales-Benfield, administrative assistant, Central Kitchen

Rob Bickes, principal, Arizona College Prep High School

Robert Stahl-Yohalem, social studies teacher, Bogle Junior High School

Rosemary Liversedge, counselor, Chandler High School

Ruth Mendoza, media specialist, CTA Freedom

Sarah Healy, office manager, Shumway Leadership Academy

Shandel Roberts, social studies teacher, Willis Junior High School

Shannon Pearsall, attendance technician, Basha High School

Shannon Prince, academic coach, Instructional Resource Center

Sharon Hickson, social studies teacher, Chandler Early College

Sherry Bollard, student services coordinator, Hancock Elementary School

Sonia Moran, psychologist, Santan Junior High School

Steve Maclelland, sixth grade teacher, Chandler Online Academy – Elementary Connect

Susan Shunk, counselor, CTA Goodman

Tara Menghini, technology teacher, Knox Gifted Academy

Tom Rothery, mathematics teacher, Perry High School

Valerie Bullock, third grade teacher, CTA Humphrey

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