Steven is a spectacular kindergarten teacher and a very generous and thoughtful human being. He exudes kindness! Steven goes over and beyond, on his own time, to make his classroom fun and caring, and continuously looks after his neighbors in addition to his family. Steven is constantly fundraising for his kindergarten students at a Title I-funded public elementary school, Lockwood STEAM Academy. He is truly the best teacher and has set up an incredibly nurturing, colorful, and inclusive classroom. Steven is fluent in Spanish and teaches his students in a dual-immersion Spanish and English curriculum. He teaches in a way that respects all dialects and cultures, always showing care for his students’ backgrounds.
Steven is a rock and pillar of support for so many, including his husband, parents, family, friends, students, coworkers, neighbors, me, and the community at large. He has a real love for life and shares this love with all those around him.
In every area of his life, personal, academic, or professional, Steven uses it as a platform to help others. He even spreads joy online by teaching Spanish and English through poetry to over 5,000 followers on his page called @gringo.verso. Steven is always in service of others, considering others’ needs and how he can help them.
He is one of those very special people who always finds some way to brighten someone’s day or lesson their load. He does this in so many ways, from frequently offering food and drink he’s made, to helping with household tasks. He even proactively researches solutions to problems a neighbor might only mention in passing.
Steven genuinely is one of the kindest individuals in the world. I cannot think of anyone I have ever met who deserves this award more than him.
Steven has always been a kind, forgiving, and genuinely lovable person. I’m so proud of everything he’s accomplished in life, and even more of the way he shows up, always ready to lend a hand to family, friends, and even strangers.