Submitted by - Earlene Ward
PHOTOS BY EARLENE WARD
Valinda Clevenger with YHS Principal Steve Raupp after being named
the 2004 Yosemite Joint Union High School District Employee of the
Year.
Yosemite High
School Head Counselor Valinda Clevenger has been named Employee
of the Year for the Yosemite Joint Union High School District. In
the nomination letter, it was noted that “she is a light for our
school and she reflects the ‘spirit of Yosemite High’.” Clevenger
was an original staff member when YHS opened in 1976. She was hired
as a physical education teacher and one of her duties was to be
the swim coach; she laughs about this because 28 years later, YHS
is finally going to have a swimming pool.
Over the years, Clevenger has coached championship volleyball teams,
she has been the cheer advisor and peer communications teacher.
“What Valinda has done for the students at YHS is immeasurable,”
according to the nomination letter.
She has chaired and served on numerous committees including school
site council and the accreditation steering committee. She has been
instrumental in expanding College Night and other informational
events for parents and students to plan their advanced educational
goals. The nomination letter notes “As our head counselor, she motivates
and encourages students to be involved in academic classes and work
towards successful futures.
“But the area where she has always gone way beyond the call of duty
is in her concern for our students’ mental and emotional well being.
She recognizes that by providing opportunities to improve this aspect
of a student’s life, his or her academic life improves as well.”
Clevenger has worked to bring programs to YHS that help students
deal with personal issues.
This includes being instrumental in creating a Peer Communication
class.
“This was the beginning of a very important aspect of what we offer
for the myriad of challenges teenagers face,” her nominator wrote.
“Thus began a process by which Yosemite High has put an emphasis
on improving students’ mental health thereby improving our school
climate. Because of Valinda’s vision, direction and leadership,
she has made this possible.”
Clevenger has also been very involved in the Challenge Day program
that has been held at YHS the past two years.
“Without her support, this event would not be possible,” the letter
stated. “She is always looking for ways to expand and improve student
services. During the more trying times, Valinda has provided important
emotional support and grief counseling for those students and staff
most affected.”
The nomination letter praised Clevenger for her willingness to give
students time and for being someone students know they can trust
and who would really listen.
“She is definitely one of the unsung heroes on this campus,” the
letter concludes.
Staff members who are not full time teachers were eligible to be
nominated for the Employee of the Year award by other staff members
and the recipient was selected by a staff committee.
Clevenger received her award at the district’s recent retirement
/ awards dinner.
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