It’s February, and two ladies receive bouquets of flowers from a crowd of admirers. But it isn’t Valentine’s Day; it’s the awarding of Teacher of the Year and Paraprofessional of the Year.

Principles of Biomedical Science and Forensic Science teacher Allison Bouwman was named Teacher of the Year, and Administrative Assistant Ruby Lozano was named Paraprofessional of the Year for the 2016-2017 school year.

“I was very shocked and excited,” Lozano said. “Shocked because I wasn’t expecting it, excited because it’s nice to know you’re appreciated.”

The designations were awarded through a multi-stage nomination and voting process. First, teachers and staff nominate teachers and paraprofessionals. Then those who were nominated, about 25 names, are put on a ballot for a vote. After that, there is a run-off vote between the top two.

“I was very surprised when Mrs. [Courtney] Acosta and the other staff members came to my class,” Bouwman said. “I was in a runoff against Ms. [Lindsey] Phillips and I actually thought she would win, because she is great. My students told me that I wouldn’t stop smiling when they came in.”

Lozano said she enjoys working with everyone on campus, returning the sentiment expressed in her award.

“I love the multi-tasking part of the job, believe it or not,” Lozano said. “It keeps me busy, it’s something different every day.”

On the other hand, Bouwman said her favorite part about teaching is interacting with her students.

“They are so much fun and I love all of them,” Bouwman said. “What other job would you get to go to work and teach people about blood spatter and fingerprinting? Seriously, it’s the best.”