Awards Ceremony Celebrates School Social Workers

Nearly 200 guests gathered at Marina Village to celebrate school social workers and the school social work profession at the annual awards program hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE).

During the sixth annual School Social Work Awards ceremony, 31 nominees were recognized, and nine individuals were honored for their work in supporting students and families and for their contributions to the school social work profession. The honorees are listed below and photos are available on the School Social Work webpage.

School Social Workers of the Year

• Michaela Sandy - Escondido Union High School District
• Alice Coronado - Escondido Union School District
• Aidaliz Cuevas - La Mesa-Spring Valley
• Cynthia Hernandez - Oceanside Unified School District
• María José “MJ” Flockhart - SDCOE Migrant Education

Up and Coming Award: Darren Thompson - Lemon Grove School District

Trailblazer Award: Danielle Yee - Grossmont Union High School District

School Social Work Intern of the Year: Grace Spievak - La Mesa-Spring Valley School District

Jenée Peevy Light Award: Michelle Houle - SDCOE

“We are excited to recognize these individuals who play such an important role in supporting students and families across the county,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “School social workers play a key role in creating nurturing environments where students feel seen, understood, and a true sense of belonging. It’s important we take a moment to celebrate them and all they do.”

The School Social Work Awards program honors school social workers and social work interns for the work they do to support students, families, and communities. The Trailblazer Award honors an individual who has paved the way for future generations in the profession to grow and develop while the Jenée Peevy Light Award recognizes individuals for their support of school social workers. New this year is the Up and Coming Award that recognizes an early-career professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and impact in supporting students and school communities. 

The theme of this year’s event is Compassion in Action: Courageous Hearts: Advocate With Passion. 
School social workers are trained mental health professionals who play a crucial role in the team that creates a supportive and nurturing environment for students. They focus on the whole child and serve as a link between school, home, and community resources, addressing barriers to a student's academic and social and emotional success.

“Every day, we see students who struggle with challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. Some face poverty, trauma, mental health issues, or instability at home. In these moments, they don’t just need sympathy—they need someone to truly see them, hear them, and take action to support them. That’s where we come in,” said Jenée Peevy, the award program coordinator. 

School social workers lead with courageous hearts and advocate with passion every day, often quietly and behind the scenes. Recognizing their work reminds us that when we support those who care for students, families, and school communities, we strengthen the entire foundation of education," Peevy said.

In San Diego County, there are more than 300 school social workers and social work interns from universities. SDCOE’s school social work services unit provides professional development and opportunities for school social workers to come together to discuss ways to support students and families across the county. SDCOE and districts partner with several universities to provide internships for students interested in a career in school social work.

The awards ceremony took place during National School Social Work Week, a nationwide recognition encouraging schools, districts, and communities, to acknowledge and recognize school social workers. Honoree photos are available on SDCOE’s School Social Work webpage.