Jonathan Snapp, Sports Medicine teacher and athletic trainer at Claremont High School, is recognized as the 2025–26 Certificated Spotlight on Excellence honoree. Through the Baldy View ROP Sports Medicine program, Jonathan has built one of the most respected career-technical education pathways in the region, blending rigorous academics with real-world, hands-on clinical experience.

Under Jonathan's guidance, students progress from foundational medical knowledge in Sports Medicine 1 to the advanced, pathway-completing Sports Medicine 2 course, where they master injury assessment, rehabilitation techniques, and cutting-edge tools like the Anatomage digital dissection table. This year, Jonathan led a group of students to a 100-percent pass rate on the Mt. San Antonio College articulation exam, earning college credit in kinesiology. Claremont was the only school with every participant earning credit, a testament to the rigor of the program and Jonathan's dedication to his students' success.

Jonathan's passion for student health, his innovative approach to instruction, and his commitment to opening career pathways in the healthcare field make him an exemplary CUSD educator. Congratulations, Jonathan!

Bobby Arciga, Information Services Specialist, is recognized as the 2025–26 Classified Spotlight on Excellence honoree. Bobby plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping CUSD's technology infrastructure running smoothly, ensuring that students, teachers, and staff have the reliable systems and support they need to teach, learn, and collaborate every day.

Bobby's professionalism, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit make him an indispensable member of the district team. Whether troubleshooting a technical issue, supporting a districtwide rollout, or simply lending a hand to a colleague in need, Bobby approaches his work with care, expertise, and a positive attitude that reflects the best of CUSD's core values. His dedication behind the scenes helps power the innovation and excellence our students experience in the classroom.

Congratulations, Bobby!

Terryl Noreen, Executive Director of Facilities, Maintenance & Operations, is recognized as the 2025–26 Management & Confidential Spotlight on Excellence honoree. Terryl's leadership ensures that every CUSD campus is safe, well-maintained, and ready for learning, day in and day out.

From overseeing the district's grounds, maintenance, and custodial teams to managing complex capital improvement projects, Terryl brings strategic vision and hands-on dedication to everything he does. His work has been instrumental in advancing major district initiatives, including the implementation of safety, security, and technology upgrades across all CUSD school sites. Terryl's deep institutional knowledge, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to service excellence make him a trusted partner to administrators, staff, and the broader Claremont community.

Congratulations, Terryl!

Claremont Unified School District is proud to name Katherine Hertenstein as its 2025–26 Teacher of the Year. A passionate educator at El Roble Intermediate School, Katherine has earned widespread admiration for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student, especially those who have been historically underserved, has access to rigorous coursework, strong advocacy, and meaningful support.

Katherine is a tireless champion for English Learners, working each day to make sure they feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed both academically and socially. Her dedication extends well beyond her classroom walls. Colleagues know her as the person who willingly covers duties, stays late, arrives early, and steps in wherever support is needed, always with a positive attitude and a student-centered mindset.

As one nominator shared: "Her commitment extends far beyond her classroom, as she continually supports colleagues and contributes to a collaborative, inclusive school culture. She truly embodies our CUSD Core Values."

Katherine's leadership, professionalism, and compassion make her an inspiration to the students and staff she serves every day. Congratulations, Katherine!

Claremont Unified School District is honored to recognize David Rojas as its 2025–26 Classified Staff Member of the Year. David's journey in CUSD is a story of dedication and growth. He began as a substitute custodian, where he quickly earned a reputation as a hard worker with exceptional attention to detail. He was then selected as an elementary school custodian, becoming an integral member of the school staff and community. Today, David serves as a Maintenance Technician in the Facilities, Maintenance & Operations department, where he continues to make a positive impact every day.

David embodies The CUSD Commitment in everything he does. He approaches every responsibility with a can-do attitude and a genuine commitment to excellence, treating everyone he encounters with respect, compassion, and a warm smile. When David sees something that needs to be done, he addresses it without being asked and follows through reliably, always looking for better ways to serve others and enhance the overall experience.

As one nominator put it: "He creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels like family. We are so fortunate that he is a part of our CUSD team."

David's integrity, initiative, and heart make him an outstanding representative of the classified employees who keep our district running every day. Congratulations, David!