A group of Sierra Vista Junior High School students will be recognized Wednesday by the William S. Hart Union High School District for their quick actions during an emergency.
Highlights on focus areas two and five of the district’s strategic plan following the Safety and Wellness discussion will also be provided, according to the meeting agenda items.
Three students will be recognized for their quick-thinking and courageous response to an emergency in the classroom involving history teacher Kellie Kontis.
Kontis began to choke on spicy edamame when the three students sprang into action, all playing essential roles in saving her life.
Their heroic actions have received a positive response from the community, including from Sierra Vista Junior High School’s Principal Marcus Garrett. The students will be recognized by the governing board at the start of Wednesday’s meeting, according to the agenda.
A presentation on Student Services Community Partnerships for Safety and Wellness will also be provided by Tara Brown, assistant superintendent of student services, and Sal Frias, chief administrative officer of student services and leadership support.
The presentation comes after the annual Hart district’s Safety and Wellness discussion, in which staff personnel, teacher, and members of the community came together to discuss current challenges students are facing and solutions to promote a positive and welcoming environment across all district schools.
Some of the key points set to be discussed during the presentation include expanding support structures to enhance student and staff wellness on each campus, promote cohesive systems of support to impact student attendance, behavior and social emotional wellbeing and increase opportunities for two-way communication and collaboration between the district, students, staff and community, according to a presentation attached to the agenda.
According to the agenda, district teachers of the year will also be recognized for their exemplary work through personal growth, commitment, personal attributes and professional skills.
More than 15 teachers across the district will be awarded the recognition, according to the agenda, and Golden Valley High School’s Nicholas Patey will be recognized as the 2025-26 Hart District Teacher of the Year. He also serves as the boys’ volleyball coach.
“Widely respected by both students and colleagues, he is known for his passion, dedication, and leadership. His engaging lessons inspire students, who consistently praise the knowledge and support they gain from his teaching,” the agenda items states. “He leads with kindness, integrity, and a willingness to step up whenever help is needed. Mr. Patey is a shining example of what an educator should be and is truly deserving of the Teacher of the Year award.”
The Hart district’s governing board meeting on Wednesday is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the district’s administrative office, located at 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway.
Hart District set to recognize student heroes, present highlights of Safety and Wellness discussion
