Crystal Award Winners at Sierra Outdoor School

The Crystal Award, is Clovis Unified School District's highest employee recognition award, has landed at the Sierra Outdoor School!

The Crystal Award is a prestigious award that honors employees of Clovis Unified School District for their above-and-beyond work. This peer nominated award recognizes those making a significant difference in the lives of Clovis Unified students.

Superintendent Dr. Janet Young sums up the spirit of the Crystal Award as, “The Crystal Awards celebrates these winners who are true examples of the values and character that make Clovis Unified so special. Their passion, innovation, dedication and dynamic work ethic help our students reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit.”

While CUSD has almost 6,000 employees, only 32 employees were selected as 2016 Crystal Award recipients. It is an honor to have two Sierra Outdoor School employees be selected for the Crystal Award in the same year: Sharon Bush and Mike Olenchalk.

Sharon Bush and Mike Olenchalk hearing the news that they were both selected as Crystal Award Recipients.

Sharon is the school’s baker and a breakfast cook. If you ever had any of the delicious cookies at lunch or dinner, then you have tasted her handiwork. No matter how early it is in the morning, what the weather was like driving here, or how many students are eagerly awaiting breakfast, Sharon always has a smile on her face and something positive to share with our visitors. A graduate of Clovis High, Sharon has been at Sierra Outdoor School since 2002.

Mike Olenchalk has been part of Clovis Unified since 1985 and embodies Clovis values. After teaching high school biology for many years, he became Sierra Outdoor School's Director in 2001. He may not have realized when he took this position that he wouldn't only be directing this school, but also overseeing the renovation of almost every building on campus, navigating an economic downturn, getting legislation passed in Sacramento, plowing roads at all hours of the day and night, assisting with plumbing emergencies, and leading mountain bike classes, and he has done an outstanding job of it!

The SOS staff would like to congratulate Sharon and Mike for being recognized and honored with this special award. We thank you both for your hard work and dedication to Clovis Unified School District and Sierra Outdoor School. We are so proud to have you as part of the SOS team.

Steve France presenting the Crystal Award to Mike Olenchalk and Sharon Bush. All winners will be honored at a special presentation in Clovis. In addition each winner receives a monetary award to use at their school site.

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