February 11, 2025

Four Hughson Unified instructors have been nominated to be Teachers of the Year at their grade levels as part of an annual countywide competition. 

The nominees are English Language Development specialist Lorena Vega of Hughson Elementary School, fifth-grade teacher Lilliana Mendoza of Fox Road Elementary, eighth-grade English instructor Melinda King of Ross Middle School, and science teacher Joel Bernard of Hughson High.  “Each of these teachers are a fine example of the wonderful teaching staff that work in Hughson Unified.  They care about their students and are passionate about the subjects they teach.  We are thankful for all they do, and are proud to have them represent Hughson at the county level,” shared Superintendent Brenda Smith.

Each year, dozens of teachers are nominated in four grade levels from public school districts across Stanislaus County. A selection committee composed of members of the Rotary Club of Modesto and educators will narrow the nominations through a paper screening process, and then visit the classrooms of 24 semifinalists before trimming the field to the 12 finalists (three at each of the grade levels).

The winners will be announced May 6 at a joint luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Modesto and the Stanislaus County Office of Education.

Hughson has an enviable track record when it comes to Teacher of the Year nominees. Three other district instructors have been honored in recent years – math teacher Dave Zylstra won in the high school division in 2024, Janette Schmidt of Fox Road Elementary was the recipient of the Jane Johnston Civility Award in 2022 and Crystal Case of Ross Middle School was named Teacher of the Year in 2019 at her grade level.

Here is more on each of this year’s Hughson Unified nominees:

Lorena Vega, Hughson Elementary School

Principal Megan Reisz calls Vega “a cornerstone of our school community” for her work over the past 24 years with students for whom English is not their first language. She serves as a trusted bridge between her HES colleagues and families and even conducts parenting classes in collaboration with a Healthy Start coordinator.

“By providing parents with practical strategies, such as book recommendations and tips for creating effective learning routines at home, she empowers them to play an active role in their children’s education,” Reisz wrote in her nomination letter.

Vega participates each year in HES’s kindergarten orientation program, was one of the staff members who attended a state conference last year on Professional Learning Communities and is active in organizations for bilingual teachers.

“Mrs. Vega embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator,” Reisz said. “Her ability to inspire, empower, and connect with students, staff, and families is truly commendable. As we celebrate her contributions, we recognize that her influence extends far beyond the classroom, making our school community a better place for everyone.”

Vega has lived in Hughson for 46 years and takes pride in helping to shape and influence young minds.

“I hope to continue helping my bilingual student community prosper and enjoy being lifelong learners,” she said.

Lilliana Mendoza, Fox Road Elementary

Mendoza is known for telling her fifth-graders that “knowledge is their superpower,” which is why Principal Jeff Persons respectfully refers to her as a “superhero.” All students have benefitted from Mendoza’s instruction in the past 16 years, but Persons said those with linguistic, cognitive or behavioral challenges especially “flourish in her classroom.”

Mendoza models the concept of being a lifelong learner, having recently earned her doctorate degree in educational leadership from CSU Stanislaus. As a bilingual teacher, she also works with any Fox Road student who needs support in developing their English language ability – both after school as well as during summer school. She was the founding member of the campus’ English Learner Task Force.

“Dr. Mendoza is a master of differentiated instruction, skillfully tailoring her teaching to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each student,” Persons said. “Her assessment scores, especially with English learners, are consistently at the top of the school and her dedication brings real results. Every student feels valued and empowered to find and utilize their ‘superpower!’ ”

Mendoza said her belief that “all students are gifted and talented with the skills to become leaders in our society” influenced her to become a teacher. She embraces the idea that “education is the great equalizer, regardless of one’s significant barriers and inequities.”

“By instilling the concept into our students that knowledge empowers them to make choices that will move them in a direction where there is no reason why they cannot achieve and pursue their dreams, they will be able to position themselves into spaces where leadership is developed and yields future leaders,” she said.

Melinda King, Ross Middle School

King teaches English and English Language Development, coordinates the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program and coaches volleyball. Her long-term impact on students, according to Principal Mary LaRosa, is exceptional. In fact, some former students call her the “Kindness Queen” for the influence she’s had on them.

“Her ability to connect with and inspire middle school students, a group often considered the most challenging to reach, speaks volumes about her effectiveness and commitment as an educator,” LaRosa said.

In the past year, King’s English Language Development students achieved the most significant academic growth not just at Ross, but in Stanislaus County.

“This is no small feat and a testament to her ability to connect with her students and foster their confidence and skills,” LaRosa said. “Mrs. King's priority has always been building meaningful relationships with her students. They know she genuinely cares for them, and because of that trust, they rise to challenges and give her their best effort in ways they might not for others.”

Joel Bernard, Hughson High School

Bernard’s science classes have long been among the most popular with Hughson High’s students. He is known for his enthusiasm for the subject matter and for engaging students in creative ways.

“While Joel has a true gift to teach higher level science to students in AP classes, he is equally talented at

reaching students in lower-level classes that struggle with learning,” praised Principal Loren Lighthall. “He clearly and effectively communicates complex ideas to students of every learning level.”

Bernard has taught at Hughson for 27 years and easily relates to high school students.

“He sees the good in them and they feel his acceptance,” said Lighthall, adding that many of Bernard’s former students have gone on to major in biology or related fields. “They come back often to visit and update him on their lives.”

Bernard is the chairman of the science department and also is a longtime track coach for the Huskies. In the classroom, he tries to quickly establish a culture of respect.

“On the first day of school, I tell the students that I’ll learn all of their names by the end of the first week,” he said. “Most years, I almost get there. I believe that letting the students know that I will do something difficult for them, at which I might fail, helps build a climate of respect and helps create an environment where students aren’t afraid to step out of their own comfort zones.”