Opening Doors, Building Futures: Honoring SPS Way Makers

The All‑Star Awards honor staff who go above and beyond for students and school communities. This quarter, we celebrate our Way Makers—educators and support staff who clear obstacles, open doors, and create pathways for student growth. Across classrooms and school communities, these honorees ensure students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

Vanessa Diaz – 6th Grade World History Teacher, Hamilton International Middle School 

A fierce advocate for equity and belonging, Vanessa Diaz creates spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued during a critical time in their lives. In her classroom, students see their cultures, identities, and lived experiences reflected in meaningful learning—building both academic engagement and a strong sense of self. 

Beyond the classroom, Vanessa serves as advisor for both the Black Student Union and La Chispa Latino Student Union, opening doors for student leadership, cultural pride, and community connection. Colleagues describe her as tireless and selfless, noting her ability to build trust and empower student voice. 

One powerful example of her impact was her leadership of a Black and Latino Family Engagement Night—bringing families together in a joyful celebration of culture, food, music, and community.  

Reflecting on her work, Vanessa shared that the most rewarding part is “seeing the positive impact I have on students through the relationships I build with them… helping students discover who they are and grow into their individual selves.” 

Deron Woods – Youth Services Assistant, Highland Park Elementary 

In just two years with SPS, Deron Woods has made a remarkable impact by clearing obstacles and opening doors for student leadership, belonging, and growth. From greeting students by name each morning to offering encouragement in the hallways, he creates a sense of trust and connection that helps students feel safe and valued. 

Deron has been especially intentional about amplifying student voice. He revitalized school assemblies and daily announcements, empowering students to lead and speak in front of their peers. He also launched a Student Council that played a meaningful role in school events such as the MLK assembly. Through lunch groups and social‑emotional learning opportunities, he helps students build confidence, resolve conflicts, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime. 

“The most rewarding part is seeing students tapping into the greatness they already have and becoming successful,” he said.  

Families and colleagues describe Deron as a trusted role model who helps students see their own potential. His empathy, consistency, and belief in students have helped transform Highland Park Elementary into a stronger, more connected community. 

Tracy McDonagh – Kindergarten Teacher, Lawton Elementary 

For more than three decades, Tracy McDonagh has paved the way for generations of Lawton Elementary students, creating classrooms where every child feels capable, and confident. Families and colleagues alike describe her as deeply dedicated, meeting students exactly where they are while helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Tracy is known for going above and beyond to ensure every child has a voice. Through creative performances, poetry recitals, drama, dance, and movement, she builds confidence and self‑expression in even the most soft‑spoken students.  

Parents consistently share how Tracy’s inclusive approach helps children flourish, from early reading skills to independence and self‑belief. Her classroom is described as a place filled with care, encouragement, and joy—where students are supported to shine. 

Tracy said the most rewarding part of her job is “connecting with children and their families, seeing children grow academically and socially, and being a part of the community.”  

Marian Fink – Visual Arts Teacher, Graham Hill Elementary 

With more than 20 years of service, Marian Fink opens doors for students through creativity, curiosity, and connection. Her art classroom is a place where students are invited to explore the world of art—learning about historic and contemporary artists while experimenting with a wide range of materials, techniques, and ideas. 

Marian’s impact goes far beyond completing projects. She notices every child and finds meaningful ways to connect learning to what excites them. Families describe her as attentive, inspiring, and deeply invested in helping students discover their voices. 

In addition to her work in the art room, Marian provides schoolwide leadership through Graham Hill’s multi‑age pods, supporting social, emotional, and cultural learning. Her colleagues and families consistently note how her care and creativity help students grow into confident, expressive learners. 

Marian shared that the most rewarding part of her work is “witnessing children create, collaborate, and discover their voices.”  

Dkobe KiloDavis – Special Education Instructional Assistant, View Ridge Elementary 

As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, Dkobe KiloDavis creates pathways for some of the district’s most vulnerable students by building trust, safety, and confidence. Rather than simply assisting in the classroom, he provides a calm, steady presence for students navigating challenges with regulation and communication. 

Dkobe is known for celebrating small breakthroughs that quietly lay the foundation for long‑term independence and growth. Parents describe his support as transformative—helping students feel understood, capable, and empowered to move beyond daily challenges. He said he gets his daily joy from the small wins. 

“Seeing the smiles, laughs, and faces of the kids—nothing makes me feel more in tune with my work than seeing them have fun.” 

For Dkobe, his work doesn’t just help students get through the school day—it helps them believe they can grow beyond it. 

Congratulations to our Quarter 3 All‑Star Way Makers. Through their dedication, compassion, and belief in students, these educators and staff members are creating pathways that help every child grow, belong, and succeed.  

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Nominate a Valuable Educator for an All‑Star Award! 

Every school has that person — the one who shows up early, stays late, lifts others up, and somehow makes everything run smoother. The SPS All‑Stars Most Valuable Educator Award honors the principal, teacher, or support staff member who goes above and beyond every single day — the backbone of their school community and the heart and soul of the work. 

Know someone your school simply couldn’t do without? Nominate them today! Nominations close Friday, May 1.