The Marana Unified School District named three employees as the 2021 MUSD Employees of the Year. MUSD Superintendent, Dr. Daniel Streeter, and District leadership team members made surprise announcements at each of the employee’s work sites earlier in the spring.
MUSD Employees of the Year are:
- Adam Scafede, Teacher of the Year
- Lisa Hyatt, Support Staff of the Year
- Nicole Pargas, Administrator of the Year
The Marana Unified School District annually recognizes dedicated employees who possess outstanding work abilities, motivate and inspire students and colleagues, possess leadership qualities, and contribute to co-workers and students in ways that go beyond the usual expectations of their job.
In addition to being recognized at their work site, Employees of the Year will be recognized by the Marana School’s 2340 Foundation during the Marana Schools’ 2340 Foundation Celebration of Excellence luncheon on May 21, 2021, at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The MUSD Governing Board will also honor the Employees of the Year during their school board meeting scheduled Thursday, May 13, 2021.
Teacher of the Year:
Adam Scafede, Dove Mountain CSTEM K8 8th Grade Math and Geometry Teacher
Mr. Adam Scafede is a dedicated educational professional that always focuses on what is best for all students, not just those in his classroom. Mr. Scafede is constantly seeking new opportunities to continue his own growth as an educator, pursues ways to support his colleagues and looks for innovative ways to support students.
Mr. Scafede’s students are the best reflection on his excellence as a teacher. His influence on his students makes them work harder, strive for brilliance and excel. He is relatable, cool and funny, making an easy connection to the students. One of Mr. Scafede’s students said of him, “He makes learning fun and interesting while helping us learn as much as we possibly can. He understands us and we can talk to him if we need help or don’t understand a concept. He works with us in class and on Zoom for extra help. He is my favorite math teacher that I have ever had!’”
At Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8, Mr. Scafede was a member of the essential planning team to assist in the opening of the school, working for two years planning for 850 new incoming students. During the school’s first year, he established the initial cross-country team at the school and, this fall, he established a virtual cross-country team in order to support elementary and middle school students (and their family members) in remaining physically active during remote and hybrid learning.
Support Staff of the Year
Lisa Hyatt, Secretary IV for Assistant Superintendents Office
As a district alumna, parent of two graduates, and staff member, Lisa Hyatt is a shining example of the spirit of the Marana Unified School District. She is willing to help anyone and everyone at any time. She is a positive force throughout all of her interactions, contributing not only to the functionality of our system but the very heart and soul of MUSD.
One of Lisa's main roles in her position is interacting with parents and families. This is something she does with ease and unconscious grace. Throughout the pandemic, Lisa has been a pillar of support for families, and her contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has worked tirelessly to support parents with questions and concerns, helping them maneuver all of the unknowns.
Lisa's positive outlook is motivational and makes our office a pleasant place to be. She values connections and relationships with her colleagues, and is always in step with the pulse of our office. She conveys sincerity in her relationships, listening with heart. Her kind and interested approach makes those around her feel special. She asks about our families, follows up about events we have going on, and always has a gentle and uplifting word if we need it.
Administrator of the Year
Nicole Pargas, Director of Health Services
Nicole has come into a direct spotlight in our District during the COVID-19 pandemic. She willingly took on the role and responsibility of leading the COVID task force for the District, and has worked tirelessly since day one to keep our staff and students safe. Although she may not always have the most positive news to share in regards to this topic, she radiates a positive, "can do" attitude that comes across to others. Nicole makes all of us feel as though we can get through this.
Nicole is always there to listen and help anyone in whatever way she can. She has a true open door policy with her staff that she takes seriously. It's remarkable how many people Nicole deals daily and she makes it a point to remember details about families and each person. It truly makes them feel important and special. She follows up with families to listen to them and encourage them, and she will find outside resources if needed to assist families. She shows empathy for the things that one may be going through and genuinely cares about them and their situation.