![\"Raelene](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/feature.jpeg\")
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Quick look: Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator Raelene Velasquez has been named a 2026 California Classified School Employee of the Year and selected as the state\u2019s sole nominee for the national RISE Award.<\/p>\n
At Sunburst Youth Academy<\/a>, structure and support go hand in hand. And for paraeducator Raelene Velasquez, that balance is at the heart of her work each day.<\/p>\n More people are beginning to take notice.<\/p>\n After earning county honors<\/a> in March, Velasquez was announced Friday as California\u2019s 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year in the category of Paraprofessional Services, making her one of just nine honorees statewide. <\/p>\n The annual award, announced by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, is the highest distinction for classified school employees in California, spotlighting their contributions to students and school communities. <\/p>\n And there\u2019s more: The OCDE staff member was also selected as the state nominee for the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award, or RISE.<\/p>\n County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean praised Velasquez on Friday, saying she represents the very best of Orange County\u2019s classified workforce.<\/p>\n \u201cRaelene brings a rare combination of consistency, compassion and leadership to her work,\u201d Bean said. \u201cShe builds trust with students while holding them to high expectations, and she helps create a school environment where young people feel supported, respected and capable of success. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the state level and now considered for the national RISE Award.\u201d<\/p>\n Steady and student-centered<\/p>\n Sunburst Youth Academy is a unique partnership between the Orange County Department of Education and the California National Guard in Los Alamitos. That\u2019s where Velasquez works as a paraeducator, providing personalized instruction and classroom support while keeping students engaged, accountable and on track.<\/p>\n The academy, part of OCDE\u2019s ACCESS program<\/a>, is a voluntary, tuition-free option for students ages 15\u00bd to 18. Through its 22-week residential model, Sunburst combines academic instruction, physical training and life skills development, with cadets living on campus as they work to recover credits, build discipline and prepare for graduation and beyond.<\/p>\n In the classroom, colleagues describe Velasquez as steady and student-centered, helping ensure daily instruction runs smoothly while supporting both teachers and cadets. She regularly facilitates restorative conversations, provides tutoring and leads discussions that help students stay engaged and accountable.<\/p>\n Her influence extends beyond academics. Velasquez helped create two of the academy\u2019s most anticipated traditions \u2014 the Haunted Hallway and Spring Carnival \u2014 offering students moments of connection, creativity and normalcy within their structured environment. Her colleagues say those experiences help build belonging and strengthen relationships across campus.<\/p>\n Velasquez \u201cbrings patience, clarity and respect to every interaction,\u201d the state announcement noted, highlighting her ability to support students while elevating the broader school community.<\/p>\n The other state honorees\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Raelene](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Raelene-Velasquez-OCDE-1-2560x1707.jpg\")
Raelene Velasquez, paraeducator at Sunburst Youth Academy in OCDE ACCESS, was recognized in March by academy staff after being named a 2026 Orange County Classified School Employee of the Year.<\/p>\n