WBCSD honors top employees

West Bonner County School District has recognized Chris Naccarato and Sasha Tefft as the district’s top employees for May.

In order to support and recognize outstanding employees, the district implemented the employee recognition program to honor certified and classified individuals who exemplify its district vision – “strive for greatness,” district officials said in a press release.

A link on the district website allows everyone a chance to submit a nomitnation. And that’s just what happened, with submissions for the May award coming from teachers, colleagues, and students.

District officials invited all community members to make submissions for the April awards. The deadline for submission is the 21st of every month.

In addition to public recognition, area businesses have kindly donated awards to the individuals who are recognized. This month’s sponsor is Hills Resort.

Chris Naccarato, who was recognized as the district’s top certified employee, was born and raised in Sandpoint, and is an elementary fifth grade teacher of 27 years. Naccarato teaches at Priest River Elementary, with his favorite subjects to teach being science and writing.

Naccarato said his inspiration for becoming a teacher comes from his father, who was a principal for 36 years, and from his mother, who was an elementary teacher for 25 years. When he is not at school, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, tennis, chess, art, and music.

Also, Nac-carato is an artist who specializes in drawing and coloring birds.

Dis-trict officials said Nac-carato was selected for his wonderful ability to create great science/aeronautics events and noted that the long-time teacher is “an astronaut at heart.”

Tefft, recognized as the district’s top classified employee, was born on the Camas Prairie. She moved to Las Vegas as a young girl, where she met her husband of 29 years in high school.

Tefft has four daughters, one of whom, Christina, recently won the Priest River Community Foundation’s Distinguished Young Woman award.

A tragedy that occurred with a friend convinced Tefft that she wanted to work with kids, to ensure no child ever feels unloved, or slipped through the cracks. Tefft’s dedication earned her the selection as the top classified employee, district officials said.

Tefft has worked for the district a number of years as a volunteer, a substitute, and now a personal care para-professional at Priest River Elementary.

Tefft told district officials that her faith in Christ is the foundation of her service to others.