Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD) is proud to recognize the dedication and hard work of its classified staff and leadership team, and this year, BOUSD has the distinct honor of celebrating Marisa Arroyo as the Classified Employee of the Year and Beatriz Zavala as the District Leader of the Year. Marisa and Beatriz were both surprised with the news at each of their school sites on April 4. They will be further celebrated at BOUSD’s annual Employee Recognition event on May 7.
Marisa Arroyo, BOUSD Classified Employee of the Year
Marisa Arroyo is a 20-year employee of BOUSD who started with the district's Food Services department in 2005 and began as a custodian in 2012. Marisa’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for students, teachers and families of Country Hills Elementary has made a lasting impact on the school community.
Marisa takes immense pride in her role, ensuring that the campus remains pristine and well-maintained each day. Her keen attention to detail creates an environment where students and staff feel comfortable, valued, and cared for. However, Marisa’s contributions extend far beyond her custodial duties—she is an integral member of the school community, always ready to go above and beyond to support students and staff.
What truly sets Marisa apart is her student-centered approach. She fosters connections with students, offering words of encouragement and inspiring them to be good citizens. Whether through a warm smile, a helping hand, or her commitment to ensuring school facilities remain safe and functional, Marisa embodies the heart and spirit of Country Hills Elementary. She understands that a clean and well-kept campus plays a vital role in students’ well-being and academic success, and she has made it her mission to create a thriving learning environment.
In addition to her outstanding work ethic, Marisa is a dedicated team player. She collaborates seamlessly with staff, supports school events, and steps in whenever help is needed. Her positive attitude and willingness to contribute in any capacity make her an irreplaceable part of the Country Hills family.
Beatriz Zavala, BOUSD District Leader of the Year
Since joining Laurel Elementary in 2021, Beatriz Zavala has demonstrated a relentless commitment to the well-being and success of students, staff, and families.
As a dedicated school counselor, Beatriz expertly balances individual sessions, group counseling, and classroom lessons to support students' academic and emotional development. She meticulously tracks data to monitor student progress and tailors interventions to meet their evolving needs. Her ability to create engaging social-emotional learning (SEL) resources has been invaluable to both staff and families, fostering a culture of compassion and growth within the school community.
Beyond her direct student support, Beatriz plays a pivotal role in strengthening the school community. She organizes parenting workshops, actively participates in school and community events, and provides essential guidance to families navigating challenges. Her approach to addressing student behavior is rooted in empathy and developmental appropriateness, ensuring that every child feels understood and supported.
Beatriz exemplifies excellence in leadership by closely collaborating with teachers and fellow counselors. She equips educators with SEL tools and classroom strategies that reinforce social-emotional learning, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her innovative spirit shines through in her development of engaging SEL activities and parent workshops, making learning more accessible and impactful than traditional formats.
As an active community member, Beatriz goes above and beyond to support students and families outside the classroom. Her presence at community events and her willingness to mentor and assist counselors, staff, and families solidify her as a cornerstone of the Brea Olinda Unified School District.
The district will honor Arroyo and Zavala at the annual Employee Recognition event on May 7 at Olinda Elementary.