The MUSD recently held its annual Employee Retirements and Recognition Ceremony, a special event dedicated to celebrating the dedication and achievements of our retiring staff members and exemplary employees for the 2024–2025 school year.
This year, we warmly honored a group of outstanding professionals who are concluding their careers with us. These retirees have contributed significantly to our organization and community throughout their years of service. The 2025 retiree class includes Raymond Larson, Dawn Stephens, Laurie Klimowicz, Margaret Quirante, Pam Schoenborn, Sonya Fox, Glenn Williams, Karen Stevens, Patti Burke, Bronwyn Larkins, Sharon Flores, James Hammer and more.
Their hard work and commitment have helped lay a strong foundation for future generations, and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contributions.
In addition to recognizing our retirees, the ceremony celebrated staff members from all MUSD schools and departments that exemplified excellence this year. These Employee of the Year awardees represent the very best of our team, inspiring their colleagues and positively impacting our students and community. The award winners are:
Employee of the Year (2024–2025)
Condor Elementary
Dara Tili
Lisa Leonard
Friendly Hills High School
Hope Cooper
Edward Enos
Joshua Tree Elementary
Shirley Jones
Matt Delgado
Landers Elementary
Aleah Willis
Amanda Bohem
Oasis Elementary
Brigid Sears
Amber Harman
Onaga Elementary
Jesus Mora
Rebecca Truncale
Morongo Valley Elementary
Brandon Hagar
Jackie Shumate
Palm Vista Elementary
Jennifer Openheim-Sisson
Omar Carranza
Twentynine Palms Elementary
Patricia Brown
Electra "Ellie" Westmann
Yucca Mesa Elementary
Florence Young
Bridgette Cavelti
Yucca Valley Elementary
Brandi Dudley
Monica Boyes (Navarro)
La Contenta Middle
Nesha Benstead
Barbara "Bonnie" Beavans
Twentynine Palms Junior High
Carrie Cole
Zach Birge
Yucca Valley High School
Bradley Ramos
Demond McKeever
Twentynine Palms High School
Jean Caravella
Paola Lynch
Black Rock High
Shannon Luckino
April Taylor
ACCE
Christy Velasco
Lisa Shumate
PLUS
Sara Beth Templeton
Shari Johns
Instructional Services
Kathryn Royer
Sara Smith
Information Technology
Maurice Williams
Fiscal Services
Luke Ilagan
Nutritional Services
BreeAnna Sullivan
Saemi Hudson
M&O (Maintenance & Operations)
Andrew Spear
Maintenance and Grounds
Nathan Walsh
Purchasing
John Robbins
Custodial
Terry Spurrier
Special Education
Laura Ambrosius
Sonya Fox
Mary Yantes
District Office
Karen Stevens
Site Administrator
Dr. Claudette Onumah
Their passion and excellence embody the mission and values of the Morongo USD, and we are proud to recognize their achievements.