PYLUSD Educators, Support Staff, and Students Honored During Annual Exceptional Educator Celebration

On Wednesday, April 2, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) proudly hosted its seventh annual “Exceptional Educator” ceremony—a heartfelt celebration recognizing staff members who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of students with special needs. Families were invited to nominate any staff member who played a meaningful role in their child’s educational journey.

This year’s event honored 52 outstanding individuals across a wide range of roles, including instructional aides, special education and general education teachers, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, vision specialists, and principals. A notable increase in nominations for general education teachers highlighted the district’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and inclusive practices across all school sites. This meaningful shift underscores PYLUSD’s dedication to creating learning environments where every student is supported and empowered to succeed.

In addition to recognizing staff, the ceremony also celebrated students who help foster inclusive communities on campus through the “Exceptional Includer Award.” One student from each high school was honored for actively promoting a culture of kindness, acceptance, and peer support.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the prestigious “All Means All” award to two exceptional school leaders: Lisa Carmona of Ruby Drive Elementary School and Paige Stills of Yorba Linda Middle School. These visionary principals were recognized for their unwavering dedication to ensuring that all students—regardless of ability—have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

The 2025 Exceptional Educators include:

Elementary Educational Specialist: