Mountain View Elementary School media attendant Natascha Rivera is a great example of the importance of teamwork and the value of every person employed on a school campus.
“She is the quiet steady presence who holds so much of our daily work together, often working behind the scenes to make sure staff, students and families have what they need to succeed,” said Principal Christy Galloway.
“Her flexibility, reliability and commitment to excellence make her the backbone of our campus,” she said.
“Natascha never seeks recognition, but her impact is felt by all who have the privilege of working alongside her.”
Born in Germany to a military family, she moved to Killeen and graduated from Ellison High School in 2009.
“I was struggling to find my purpose and my way. My mother pushed me in the direction of KISD,” she said of Marisol Rivera, now retired from teaching at Harker Heights High School.
In 2013, Rivera started working as a crossing guard at Mountain View Elementary School. Three years later, she moved inside to the position of media attendant, operating the media center at the school.
She learned to run the printer, the laminator and other equipment to assist teachers. “I love to be in this environment. I love being around the kids and the people I call my friends now,” she said.
Now, the 11-year employee of Mountain View does far more than make copies and fill in where needed. She is a deeply special and appreciated part of the school culture.
“I print a lot of copies. I make a lot of packets for teachers, and I help out in the cafeteria and front office. I feel like I do everything everywhere,” she said.
“I met a lot of teachers here and they became friends. Their words and affirmation make me feel really good. I see students every day and it inspires me to see them become better,” Rivera explained.
“I feel hopeful they are going to make a great impact in the world and I just wish them the best because they are going to be great in this world. I love this school and these people and these kids.”
The humble employee, so often in the background, was floored when the spotlight turned on her while she was working lunch duty.
“I was in the cafeteria doing lunch duty and I saw a swarm of people coming in,” she said. “They gave me the award. I was shocked. It was amazing. I really felt like I was doing something good and it felt great. I’ve never felt that good before.”
The KISD STEEL Award goes to two district employees a month based on nominations from department and campus leaders. It stands for Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners.
The following is a photo gallery of all the KISD STEEL Award winners from the current spring semester:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720331738812/