There are those classified employees who are treasures in any school. They give above and beyond the job requirements and are the ones who make a difference in the lives of students and the rest of the school staff on a daily basis.

The Fremont High School Board of Trustees recently recognized eight of these classified employees for their service this past year.

Cupertino High School named instructional assistant Kim Caldwell its classified employee of the year. Caldwell has worked in the special-education department for 12 years, primarily in the special day classes where she works one-on-one with students, providing support and instruction.

Fremont High School named network support specialist Hoang "Tap" Bui its classified employee of the year. After almost 10 years on the job, Bui says he likes his job because the students and staff appreciate his help. Bui says he walks three to five miles each day, going from building to building to care for the school's computer networks.

Homestead High School named registrar Adrienne Zapata as its classified employee of the year. Zapata has worked in the district for more than nine years and says the best thing about her job is the students. She especially enjoys the excitement of the seniors when they learn they were accepted into the college of their choice.

Lynbrook High School chose Vicki Kleinman and Betsy McSherry, both career and college liaisons, as classified employees of the year. Kleinman and McSherry have shared the position for the past three years, and the two of them provide a variety of career and college entrance information to students, parents, staff, and the community. They also help students find information for research, assignments and post-high school planning.

Monta Vista High picked associated student body financial technician Judy Ma as its classified employee of the year. Ma began working in the district almost three years ago.

The Educational Services Center chose human resource specialist Joann Martinez as its classified employee of the year. Martinez, who began working in the district three years ago, says she loves working with the teachers and the hustle and bustle of the busy human resources department.

Adult & Community Education chose special programs assistant Eva McCloskey as its classified employee of the year. McCloskey began working in the district two years ago, providing office support for the English as a second language, literacy, vocational education, and senior programs. She also currently serves as the registrar of GRADS, an independent-study program that leads to an adult high school diploma.