Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the 2025 Classified Employees of the Year. These individuals make a significant impact on students, families, and colleagues through their hard work, expertise, and dedication.
We recognize Jocelyn Carbajal for her contributions in Clerical and Administrative Services, Kimberly (Kim) Hooper for her work in Food and Nutrition Services, Noemi Daniel for her role in Paraprofessional Services, and Rossanna (Rossi) Patino for her efforts in Security Services.
The selection process for Classified Employees of the Year is rigorous and considers factors such as job performance, community involvement, and contributions to the District. District and school site representatives submit nominations for employees who fit the criteria.
We appreciate the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) for sponsoring a parallel recognition program for classified employees and highlighting the importance of celebrating our staff members' hard work and dedication.
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Jocelyn Carbajal, Clerical and Administrative Services
Jocelyn Carbajal has been with HBCSD for six years and serves as the Early Childhood Education Technician at our Preschool Academy. As the first point of contact for families, she plays a key role in making their transition into the preschool environment smooth and welcoming. Jocelyn guides families through enrollment, ensuring they have all the necessary information for the District’s preschool programs. She has also taken on the responsibility of applying for and securing grants, which have directly benefited the quality of early childhood education services.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Jocelyn actively engages with the community to promote the District’s preschool offerings. She represents HBCSD at events, hosts informational sessions at public libraries, and supports family-centered events such as Preschool's Night Out and Trunk or Treat. Through her outreach and leadership, she has strengthened relationships between the preschool, parents, and the community, ensuring that early learning remains a priority for families.
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Kim Hooper, Food and Nutrition Services
With 13 years of service at HBCSD, Kim Hooper has dedicated her time to ensuring that students receive nutritious, well-balanced meals daily. As a Food Service Assistant II at Peterson Elementary, she manages food preparation, distribution, and dietary accommodations to meet students' nutritional needs. Her keen attention to detail ensures that students with allergies and dietary restrictions receive safe and appropriate meals. She also takes the initiative to introduce new meal options that cultivate healthy eating habits and appeal to students’ tastes.
Kim’s dedication extends beyond the cafeteria. She participates in ongoing professional development to stay informed about food safety standards and industry best practices. She continues her service during the summer by helping with nutrition programs beyond the regular school year. Her work strengthens the welcoming environment where students feel cared for and nourished, making her an essential member of the HBCSD community.
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Noemi Daniel, Paraprofessional Services
Noemi Daniel is a dedicated paraprofessional and has been with HBCSD for 16 years, serving at Hawes Elementary School. She specializes in assisting students with moderate to severe disabilities, helping them develop communication, social, and academic skills. Noemi is highly skilled in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, ensuring students receive individualized aid tailored to their unique needs. Her work requires patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of student behavior, which she demonstrates daily.
Beyond her instructional role, Noemi actively contributes to school culture and engagement. She mentors new paraprofessionals, collaborates with teachers to design effective learning plans, and brings creativity to school events. Her signature balloon decorations brighten up celebrations such as Veterans Day and student promotions, enhancing school spirit. Noemi’s ability to promote inclusivity and support students and staff makes her an invaluable part of Hawes Elementary and the wider HBCSD team.
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Rossi Patino, Security Services
Rossi Patino has been a dedicated member of HBCSD for six years, serving as a Playground Supervisor at Sowers Middle School. She plays a crucial role in maintaining campus safety while also fostering positive relationships with students. Rossi is known for her ability to balance firmness with fairness, enforcing school rules while ensuring students feel respected and heard. She proactively identifies potential safety concerns and swiftly takes action to create a secure and caring environment.
In addition to her security role, Rossi actively contributes to school events and student engagement activities. She volunteers to help with student registration, orientation, and other key events throughout the year. Her reliability, leadership, and ability to connect with students and staff make her an indispensable figure at Sowers Middle School, where she continues to foster a culture of safety, respect, and camaraderie.
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The HBCSD Classified Employees of the Year were honored with surprise visits from District leadership and school administrators at their respective sites. They will also be recognized at the May Board meeting.“Our classified employees play an essential role in keeping our schools running smoothly and supporting students in ways that often go unseen. This year’s honorees bring dedication, skill, and a deep sense of care to their work daily,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Mr. Robert Miller. “Their impact is felt in the classroom, the cafeteria, the front office, and beyond, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to HBCSD.”
Congratulations to Jocelyn, Kim, Noemi, and Rossi for their service to HBCSD's students, staff, and families!