GGUSD Cook Connie Flores Receives Top State Award

Friday, May 3, 2024

Connie FLores, Classified Employee of the Year

Garden Grove Unified School District Cook Connie Flores was named a 2024 California Classified Employee of the Year in an announcement this week by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Flores has served as a cook/baker in the district for more than 23 years and was the only classified employee in Orange County to receive this prestigious state recognition.

“We are so pleased that Connie was recognized among the best classified employees in all of California,” said Board of Education Vice President Lan Nguyen. “Classified employees are critical to the overall operation of our district and Connie plays an important role in ensuring students receive delicious and nutritious meals each day.”

Flores prepares over 1,000 meals each day at Garden Grove High School and serves as catering chef making all of the meals for the Apple Cart Café at the district office. She is known for her positive can-do attitude, excellent customer service skills, and her flavorful meals. Flores beams with delight when teaching staff and student workers the ins and outs of a kitchen and is regularly visited by former student workers who come to thank her for making a difference in their lives.

The California Classified School Employees of the Year program recognizes exemplary employees in nine categories and spotlights exemplary employees who stand out among nominees from school district across the state. Nominees are evaluated on work performance, leadership, commitment and involvement with their campus and local community. Outside of GGUSD, Flores volunteers for a church charity that helps connect families in need with free meals.

Each year, GGUSD submits nominees for the Classified Employee of the Year program. GGUSD’s 2024 nominees will be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting and include: Nancy Duncan, School Secretary at Pacifica High School; Eberardo Cruz, Lead Custodian at Bolsa Grande High School; Linda Mendez, Spanish Translator/Interpreter; Cynthia Sandstrom, Paraeducator; Asusena Rodriguez, Student Supervision Assistant at Violette Elementary School; Jaime Bahena, Painter in Maintenance Operations and Transportation; Jonathan Peterson, Network Analyst in Information Services; and Madeline Henriquez, School Bus Driver.