This award recognizes an educator who has distinguished themselves in their community; by going above and beyond the regular duties of an educator to truly make an impact on a school, district, college, or community. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.

Award Category sponsored by

Roni Green has been a Career and Technical Education Teacher at Edward C. Reed High School in Sparks since 2006. She has taught a variety of Family and Consumer Science courses, but she has found her favorite subject to teach in Human Services. As a CTE teacher, she is passionate about helping students discover themselves, plan for their future, and give back to the community. Students in Mrs. Green's class run and operate a weekly school food pantry for their neighbors. Every fall, they host a free trick or treat event for children in their community and give away over 500 pounds of candy. They host a giving tree every December, this year collecting donations for Family Respite Care of Nevada. Through leadership development and community service, students in Mrs. Green's classroom develop their strengths through helping those in need.

Gilbert Lenz teaches Agricultural Welding and Engineering at North Valleys High School. In his fifteen years as an exemplary teacher, ten have been spent in the shop teaching Agriculture. He is a 25-year veteran of the Nevada National Guard where he has served in the 1-221 Cavalry since 1999. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of the Arts in Educational Leadership degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno. He serves as the Treasurer for the Washoe Education Association and on the board of the Nevada State Educators Association. 

Katie Rossi is an Early Childhood Strategies Teacher who works with preschool aged students with disabilities. She utilizes her background as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst to create an environment for her students that combines play-based learning with research-based interventions that result in motivating activities to increase skills for each of her students. The ultimate goal of Early Childhood Strategies programs is to meet a student's and their family's needs to prepare that student for school success. Their programs seek to collaborate with educators, families, and the community to ensure that they provide inclusive and well-rounded environments for students.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact: Sam Eigenman, Community Partnership Director
O: 775-600-0561 | C: 775-544-8431 | seigenman@pbsreno.org

Our previous Spotlight Awards and Auction honorees and events:

2024 Winners and Finalists | 2023 Winners and Finalists | 2022 Winners and Finalists | 2021 Winners and Finalists | 2020 Winners and Finalists