AUSD honors staff, students, community during annual event

The Auburn Union School District (AUSD) recently hosted its annual community celebration to recognize significant achievements by staff, students and community partners during the 2025-26 school year. The recognition event, held on April 28 in the Dragila Gymnasium on the EV Cain campus, was attended by AUSD staff and families as well as honored guests and community partners including the Placer County Sheriff's Office, Auburn Police and Fire Departments, Assistance League of Greater Placer, Auburn Education Foundation, Word Busters, and the Auburn Host Lions Club. Additionally, County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson and Assemblyman Joe Patterson provided recognition certificates for all honorees. In years past, AUSD recognized students, staff and volunteers from each school site at different boarding meetings and held a small event to recognize retirees and years of service. In 2024, Michelle Buntt, AUSD's HR and Payroll Manager, began planning a comprehensive celebration that would elevate each of those events and provide an opportunity for valued community partners to celebrate with the district. "Tonight we honor our incredible staff, our students – who remind us why we do what we do – and the community partners we work alongside to make sure Auburn not only grows, but thrives," said AUSD Superintendent, Brittaney Meyer during her welcome message. Each school site - Auburn, Skyridge and E.V. Cain Elementary Schools - honored a teacher and support staff member as well as a student of the year. Honorees were selected for academic excellence, leadership, and fostering a positive school culture. Auburn Elementary: Mary Pywtorak (Teacher, 2nd grade), Crystal Belman (Health Assistant), Lory Cruz (Student, 8th grade) E.V. Cain Elementary: Jody Hicks (Teacher, 2nd grade), Rachel Nederhoed (School Office Assistant), Katheryne Gomez (Student, 5th Grade) Skyridge Elementary: Juliet Hamilton (Teacher, 4th grade), Tami Peed (Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant), Avery Deacon (Student, 8th grade) These individuals represent the heart of AUSD, demonstrating that the success of the district is built upon the unique contributions of every staff member and student. School Board President, Greg Holt added that "We are grateful that so many people in the Auburn community joined us to celebrate our students, staff andvolunteers of the year, to thank our retirees, and to recognize employees for milestone years of service to AUSD." The Assistance League of Greater Placer and Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) member Jason Scofield were honored as Community Volunteers of the Year. Their tireless efforts have provided essential resources and mentorship, ensuring that every student in the district has the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. The district also recognized milestone years of service and retiring staff members. With a combined total in excess of 250 years of service to the Auburn Union School District, these long-time educators have contributed to a lasting legacy and impact in our community. Their commitment is foundational to AUSD's stability and continued growth. The event was well received by all. Linda LoBue, Executive Director and Founder of Word Busters, shared that the evening, "was another stellar success. I felt happy in my heart to have the opportunity to witness each of the honorees receive their special recognition." The 2025-2026 school year has been marked by incredible growth across the school district. During the recognition event it was clear that, while each honoree was recognized individually, it is the collective efforts of the AUSD and community team that is driving the entire district forward.