The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Board of Education recognized five district employees who exemplify the characteristics necessary to create positive learning environments that enhance students’ educational experiences and successes. The 2025 Employee Excellence Award recipients were selected from more than 50 nominees submitted by their colleagues based on the following essential traits:

• Student-Centered: Prioritizes the needs and well-being of students
• Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrates teamwork, builds positive relationships, and is committed to continuous improvement
• Professional Integrity: Maintains high standards, reliability, and a positive attitude
• Innovation: Demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness 

“We have many amazing employees throughout our district, and it is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate a few being recognized for this year’s Employee Excellence Award. These dedicated employees exemplify what makes our schools welcoming and vibrant learning environments,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith. 

Honorees were presented with a certificate, crystal trophy, and lapel pin recognizing their achievements. The 2025 Employee Excellence Award winners are:

Jenna Beuck, Speech Language Pathologist, Corona del Mar (CdM) Middle and High School

Jenna Beuck is known for being a strong support system for students and staff in CdM’s special education programs. She understands the importance of communication and how it affects her students’ social needs, behaviors, and academic performance. She develops thoughtful goals that help students identify their interests and explore ways to connect with others. This school year, she assisted several students with autism in navigating club rush so they could participate with like-minded, neurotypical peers. 

To ensure her students understand the lessons she presents, Beuck consistently engages them with visual supports, apps, games, and other creative resources. She frequently shares ideas and resources with colleagues in ways that benefit all students. She also trains classroom staff on the use of assistive technology and works closely with school psychologists, case workers, and classified aides to recognize students' needs.

As an active participant in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, Beuck helps parents understand the team's recommendations and facilitates collaboration. She maintains a calm, respectful demeanor that makes parents feel comfortable and heard. 

Ruth Cartmill, Administrative Assistant, Monte Vista Independent Study

Administrative Assistant Ruth Cartmill greets everyone entering the Monte Vista Independent Study office with a warm smile and an invitation to play a game or enter their choice in a poll. It seems inconsequential, but such small actions go a long way toward creating a sense of belonging and home for the school’s students and staff.

In an independent study environment, students are often in and out, meeting with teachers and counselors and using the study lab, but Cartmill makes sure each one feels seen and supported. She elevates the positive culture at Monte Vista by engaging students in fun activities such as trivia contests. Even the most introverted students make certain to participate. 

Cartmill is instrumental in creating a festive environment for promotions and graduations. She oversees everything: decorations, refreshments, event programs, and gifts for each student. Using her talents as a graphic designer, she makes cards for each student’s birthday and has the entire staff sign them, making all students at Monte Vista feel like part of a family. 

Melissa Guerin, Reading Support Teacher, Woodland Elementary

Under the leadership of Reading Support Teacher Melissa Guerin, the literacy proficiency of Woodland Elementary’s students continues to grow. She prioritizes the needs and well-being of students, becoming their champion and cheerleader. She takes innovative approaches that transform the intervention program into a schoolwide system of blocked time, small groups, and individual support.

As one of Woodland's Student Council Advisors, Guerin draws on her creativity and resourcefulness to empower students to teach their peers about behavior expectations and encourages them to recognize positive behavior at recess by awarding “Dragon Dollars.” These can be redeemed for fun, hands-on experiences like dance parties or slime-making. She assists students with monthly service projects, such as food drives, and organizing Let’s Be Kind activities, which this year included a video Guerin directed that featured students sharing their favorite kind words. 

Students and staff can count on Guerin to provide uplifting support during academic challenges and celebrate successes alongside them. Her ability to inspire everyone around her to strive for excellence makes her a cornerstone of the NMUSD community. 

Mark Hopkins, Theater Support Technician, Maintenance & Operations

When students approached Theater Support Technician Mark Hopkins about managing the lighting at the 2024 State of the Schools Breakfast, one of the district’s largest events, Hopkins excitedly worked to fulfill the students’ request. Hopkins provided guidance while letting the students mostly take the reins. 

Hopkins is regarded as a collaborative leader who brings high expectations and a positive attitude to everything he does. For productions and events throughout the district, he is responsible for maintaining electrical theater equipment; inspecting overhead rigging, curtains, and safety equipment; and maintaining a master calendar for main stage and black box performances. Hopkins also recommends, purchases, and maintains specialized theater equipment. Worries never mount over how to guarantee performers will be seen and heard in any district venue because Hopkins and his team come prepared for any theatrical snafu.

While managing the sound, video presentation, lighting, and more during events, he is reliably creative and resourceful. He is fiercely dedicated to sharing his industry knowledge as he focuses on helping students shine. 

Randy Lempert, Principal, Harbor View Elementary School

At the start of the school year, Principal Randy Lempert gifted every teacher with a copy of the book "The Little Engine That Could" as an example of the attitude he wanted to see reflected on the Harbor View campus. “I think I can, I think I can” is a line repeated throughout the book that reflects the can-do spirit Lempert encourages in others.

Lempert has a long history as an innovative administrator. He worked with school volunteers and foundations to support school initiatives that support students' positive behavior. He can always be seen at lunchtime and recess, praising students’ positive behavior and offering fun incentives from the Viking Treasure Chest. To recognize students who reflect the school’s motto of “Be BRAVE, Believe, and Achieve,” Lempert makes Good News Calls to inform students’ families. 

He maintains a good rapport with staff, students, and the school community. At each staff meeting, he recognizes an educator who elevates their class with a Golden Apple Award and uplifts his staff so they can inspire their students.

The dedication and hard work of these outstanding employees help create inspiring learning environments that enable NMUSD’s 18,000 students to thrive. Their commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation makes a lasting impact on our schools and community. The district is proud to celebrate their dedication and professionalism.