The Santa Cruz County Office of Education recently announced Minc Robinson Brooker (education specialist, Pajaro Valley High School, Pajaro Valley Unified School District) and John Postovit (teacher, Scotts Valley High School, Scotts Valley Unified School District) as the 2025 Santa Cruz County Teachers of the Year.

Jessica Serna Castaneda (parent/community support coordinator, Santa Cruz City Schools) was recognized as Classified Employee of the Year, Sylvia Alba (counselor, Watsonville High School, Pajaro Valley Unified School District) was honored as Counselor of the Year, Amy Hedrick-Farr (food and nutrition director, Santa Cruz City Schools) earned Administrator of the Year honors and X Academy was named Community Partner of the Year.

Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah and the Santa Cruz County Board of Education recognized the honorees at the May 15 meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education. Honorees received a plaque recognizing their service to Santa Cruz County, and their names will be engraved in the Educators of the Year perpetual plaque hanging in the foyer of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.

At Pajaro Valley High, Robinson Brooker serves as the school’s first Black Student Union adviser and helped lead its 2nd annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, joining students, colleagues, families and community members in celebration. In the classroom, her “Brilliant Scholars” thrive through creative, identity-affirming projects that encourage self-advocacy and discovery.

Postovit has taught physics and every level of high school math, from pre-algebra to calculus and differential equations, in King City, Carmel, and Scotts Valley. He has been a faculty member at Scotts Valley High School since 2009, where he currently teaches two levels of physics and IB Math HL. He also serves as the school’s IB Coordinator and WASC Accreditation Coordinator.

“Congratulations to these outstanding honorees, each of whom represents the heart of public education in Santa Cruz County,” said Sabbah in a release. “Through their exceptional talent and steadfast commitment to equity, integrity, and service, they empower students and set a standard of excellence that inspires our entire school community.”

Bonny Doon School named Green Shield School

The Positivity Project named Bonny Doon School as a Green Shield School for the 2024—25 school year.

This national recognition celebrates schools that lead the way in building a strong character- and relationship-driven culture among students, staff and families. Green Shield Schools embody a positive school climate that supports lifelong learning and well-being.

The recognition came after completing a rigorous application process across six key areas: Staff Implementation, Student Leadership, Family Engagement, Professional Learning, Positive Climate and The P2 Movement.

School officials say the achievement reflects years of dedication to cultivating a positive and supportive environment. Bonny Doon School’s own STARS program — a homegrown initiative that integrates its monthly life skills into the student experience — has long been a cornerstone of the school’s culture.

The Daisy Auxiliary expands community outreach

As part of its community outreach, the Daisy Store is providing fashion shows and sales at locations in Santa Cruz County, such as Dominican Oaks retirement community and Curves fitness. If your organization is interested in having a Fashion Show at your venue, call 831-426-6642 or 831-462-5367.

Daisy volunteers will facilitate the fashion show by bringing women’s clothing and accessories to the venue and will even provide models (unless you prefer to use your own models.) All proceeds benefit Family Service Agency programs.

In addition, the Daisy Auxiliary has been expanding its service commitment by donating some of the Daisy Store’s clothing to Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, local farmworkers and Hope Services. The Daisy Store is a friendly and comfortable upscale-resale nonprofit that offers an ever-changing inventory of high-quality women’s clothes and accessories at bargain prices. Items are selected from donations from individuals and shops in the surrounding area.

The Daisy is located at 1601 41st Ave., Capitola in the King’s Plaza Shopping Center. Visit fsa-cc.org/daisy/ for information about how the Daisy supports Family Service Agency programs.