Poway Unified Announces 2024 ‘PUSD Classified Employees of the Year’

(San Diego, CA) – The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is proud to announce that Lamis Abousalem, ELL Instructional Assistant at Bernardo Heights; Agustin “Steve” Esteban, Custodian at Morning Creek Elementary School; and Eva Peters, Administrative Assistant for Learning Support Services have all been chosen as the PUSD Classified Employees of the Year for 2024. Lamis’ application will also be forwarded to San Diego County Office of Education for consideration for county-level honors.

The selection of the District Classified Employees of the Year is based on job performance, dedication to the community, and contributions to PUSD. A committee comprised of District and school site representatives are responsible for the selection.

Lamis Abousalem, English Language Learner Instructional Assistant, Bernardo Heights Middle School

Lamis has been a pillar of Bernardo Heights’ English Learner program for the last 8 years. Being a student new to the United States is extremely challenging both emotionally and academically. Whether it is fleeing from war, leaving family behind, going from an A student to an F student (due to having to learn a new language), EL students have so many mental health needs. Lamis provides unconditional love and emotional support for her students. She cares deeply for them and is beloved by students and their families.

Lamis is a trusted adult on campus, bringing to her position her own background and lived experience of being from another country and still having close family overseas. The students know she can relate and can understand some of their hardships. Each student has such a unique story and it is incredibly meaningful to learn that story and gain the trust of the student. Once that trust is established, the learning can begin!

Agustin “Steve” Esteban, Custodian, Morning Creek Elementary School

Agustin or “Steve” consistently demonstrates unwavering reliability in his duties, whether it's ensuring that classrooms are clean and ready for the day ahead or responding promptly to any maintenance issues. One of his greatest strengths lies in his meticulous attention to detail. He takes pride in his work, ensuring that every corner of the school is spotless and well-maintained. Steve consistently demonstrates unwavering reliability in his duties, whether it's ensuring that classrooms are clean and ready for the day ahead or responding promptly to any maintenance issues.

Steve is not just content with meeting the basic requirements of his role; he consistently demonstrates initiative and leads by example by taking on additional tasks and responsibilities without hesitation. Whether it's organizing storage areas, coordinating recycling efforts, or assisting with special events, Steve is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. He cultivates partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and agencies and collects extra donated school supplies and books to donate to the Philippines every summer. He also is highly involved in his church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Steve's positive attitude is infectious and uplifting to everyone in our school community. Despite the challenges and demands of his role, Steve approaches each day with a smile and a can-do attitude that sets the tone for the entire school environment.

Eva Peters, Administrative Assistant, Learning Support Services

Eva’s work as Administrative Assistant in Learning Support Services (LSS) is quite varied, yet she embraces all of it with professionalism and great attention to detail.  Eva supports several different programs in LSS, including state and federal programs. In the world of compliance, Eva ensures that she is up to date on the latest guidance as it impacts the work of our district. Eva’s experience in the United States military has honed her ability to work efficiently while ensuring accuracy.  Eva helps to make sure data is accurate, budgets align, and formatting is seamless. She takes great pride in her work and is happy to collaborate while offering suggestions and ideas.

Eva holds a heart for serving others.   Whether Eva is supporting our work with English Learners, assisting our Caring Connections (CCC) program, or working with our families experiencing homelessness in meeting their needs through the Youth in Transition program (YIT), Eva approaches all with great care and respect. Even when the support of our families experiencing homelessness extends outside the typical workday, Eva steps in and steps up every time.  Typically, when Eva learns of additional needs at these events, she takes it upon herself to help meet those needs.

Eva’s steadfast support and dedication to any task at hand is outstanding. She is a remarkable individual whose character is defined by unwavering reliability and trustworthiness. Eva is a wonderful thought partner and has helped shape the level of support provided to our most vulnerable students.

2024 Poway Unified School Site and Department Classified Employees of the Year

Congratulations to all of our site and department classified employees who represent the best of #TeamPUSD: