Pictured from left: Superintendent Shelly Whitten, Gleb Velikanov, Sharon Foster, Maria Carbajal, Nadiya Bodyanska, Johanna Flores and Sharon Gray
The Employee Recognition Awards highlight staff members who embody the district’s values and commitment to student learning. Nominations are open to every staff member in Battle Ground Public Schools. The selection criteria include commitment to the district’s mission, contribution to a safe environment, support for high-quality instruction and collaborative behavior demonstrating trust and respect. Congratulations to the October 2025 Employee Recognition Award recipients!
Sharon Gray, First Student bus driver
Sharon Gray is an amazing and upbeat driver who consistently arrives on time every day. Her reliability and cheerful attitude set a positive tone for both students and staff. She is compassionate and caring with every student on her bus, creating a welcoming and respectful environment. At the same time, Sharon maintains clear expectations and firm control to ensure everyone’s safety. Her balance of kindness and professionalism ensures that students not only arrive safely but also start and end their school day on a positive note.
Sharon Foster, teacher at Daybreak Primary School
Sharon Foster teaches to change lives and support families alongside her students. She is known for understanding each of her students and making sure they feel loved. Maintaining structure and expectations are also hallmarks of her teaching, for Sharon sees each student's potential. Said her nominator, "She is the mother and grandmother figure we all need. Without her, I truly think my child would be in a difference academic space. We are forever grateful for her love."
Nadiya Bodyanska, Maria Carbajal, Johanna Flores and Gleb Velikanov, parent-outreach liaisons
Approximately 74 different languages are spoken in the district. Communicating with and engaging multilingual families presents both challenges and opportunities. Luckily, Battle Ground Public Schools has talented parent-outreach liaisons who are equal to the task. Nadiya and Gleb support Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking families, while Johanna and Maria lend their services to families who speak Spanish. Together, they help parents and guardians understand information and engage in their child's learning. In their role as the bridge between schools and parents, these liaisons communicate about every topic related to education, including attendance, parent-teacher conferences, discipline, medical needs, special services, course offerings, safety, budget, and much more. Their cultural sensitivity guides staff in effective communication, and their deep knowledge of history and language helps colleagues avoid unintended misunderstandings.
Nadiya, Maria, Gleb, and Johanna often work long hours into the evening and on weekends to meet the demands. They are always willing to assist in critical situations yet remain organized, efficient and responsive. As a result of the parent-outreach liaisons' contributions, multilingual families can find a community in Battle Ground Public Schools.
Do you know another deserving staff member? Submit a nomination.