Elena Sopala, first grade teacher, Alamosa Elementary
When the new year arrives, Alamosa Elementary first grade teacher Elena Sopala hopes that her students will be excited about learning.
Sitting with gentle holiday music in the background, her first-graders worked on mathematical fact families, filling in ornaments that will be put on a tree. As Principal Roxi Vigil entered the classroom and announced that Sopala had been awarded the Adams State University Educator Highlight Award, Sopala’s students dropped their pencils and awaited the announcement.
Professor and School Director Curtis Garcia, along with faculty and staff from the Adams State School of Education, filed into the classroom and applauded Sopala as her students cheered and smiled along with their teacher.
“It’s nice to be recognized, especially in front of these students,” she said.
The parents of her students sing her praise for making school exciting through special days she creates like stuffed animal day and zoo telling.
“Ms. Sopala is loved by her students. My child had such great growth in reading but math was really where my son shined! She communicated and made sure I knew how my son was doing,” one parent said in nominating her for the award.
Sopala started teaching 24 years ago in Colorado Springs and has been with the Alamosa School District for nearly 15 years.
“I love working with kids and helping them to become good people,” Sopala said.
Each month, Adams State selects an educator from a school in the Valley to recognize for their outstanding work. It’s all part of the university’s efforts to showcase public education and to inspire others to go into the teaching profession.
Educators in the Valley make a difference to our kids and families. Nominate for the Adams State Educator Highlight Award. Anyone can make a nomination.
PAST EHA WINNERS
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District
Katie Turner, Del Norte math teacher
Edwin Mondragon, Monte Vista High School agriculture teacher
Aaron Williams, GOAL High School English teacher
Miriam Baines, Alamosa High School biology and math teacher
Rachel Kellum, Moffat Schools art teacher
Darlene Pinales, Sargent School District, food service staff member
Upward Bound summer faculty, Adams State University
Erika Henderson, chemistry teacher Alamosa High School
Jay Sarason, aviation teacher, Sargent High School
Domingo Estrada, director, Semillas de la Tierra
Lisa Lucero, preschool teacher, Moffat School District
Scott Honeycutt, ASD’s transportation director and chief safety officer
Annette Sisneros, fifth-grade teacher, Alamosa Elementary
Taylor Hubbard, K-12 art teacher, Centennial School District
Lauren McKinney, science teacher, Sangre de Cristo Schools
Amanda Stagner, business teacher, Alamosa High School
Laura Hegey, third-grade teacher, Alamosa Elementary
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) staff, Adams State University
Student Support Services, Adams State University
Kelly Reynolds, second-grade teacher, Sanford Elementary
Pat Naranjo, literacy and math lab instructor, Centauri Middle School
Nikol Kelley, language arts teacher, Centauri Middle School
Elona Medina, technology and media teacher, Alamosa High School
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR HIGHLIGHT AWARD:
This monthly award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators. Nominate an educator.
