The Standing Ovation Award recognizes non-teaching staff whose work makes a meaningful difference for their campuses, teams, and colleagues. Congratulations to Cristina de Guzman, Child Nutrition area manager and Tony Jackson, Wilkinson Middle School bus driver.

Cristina de Guzman, Child Nutrition area manager

Even with 12 campuses and dozens of staff to support, Cristina is consistently approachable, solution-focused and committed to helping those around her succeed.

Cristina is always ready to drop everything for her campuses. During a power outage, she picked up supplies and helped prepare meals. When a staff member needed to care for an ill family member, she stepped in to cover.

Cristina’s impact goes beyond the campuses she oversees. Always looking for ways to make the department more efficient, she creates instruction sheets each year for all 75 cafeterias in the district, so every staff member has clear, consistent guidance no matter where they work.

“Cristina leads with compassion, humility and a positive attitude,” said Lisa Jenkins, director of Child Nutrition. “As a mentor, role model and champion for her team, Cristina’s lasting impact on our employees, cafeteries and district makes her truly deserving of a Standing Ovation.”

Tony Jackson, bus driver at Wilkinson Middle School

During his three years as a Wilkinson bus driver, Tony has built genuine relationships with his students and become someone they can count on.

Bus drivers carry a lot of responsibility, from getting students to and from school safely to keeping the ride respectful. Tony meets that challenge with ease. He holds students accountable and keeps order on his bus, while making every student feel valued and cared for.

Off the bus, Tony is just as upbeat. He’s friendly and personable with staff, and his positivity is contagious.

“He represents the very best of what a school bus driver can be — not simply someone who transports students, but an adult who helps create a safe, welcoming and positive experience for them each day,” said Katy Glowick, a staff member at Wilkinson. “Tony is, without a doubt, one of the best bus drivers we have, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”