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Kelly Davis and Yesenia Rosales posed with district and school staff

 

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) recently surprised its 2025 Classified School Employees of the Year: Kelly Davis, Administrative Assistant at Back Bay High School, and Yesenia Rosales, District Lead Instructional Assistant for the Extended Day Program. The award program recognizes employees who exceed job expectations by delivering outstanding service to students, staff, and the community.

“Kelly and Yesenia truly embody the spirit of Newport-Mesa. Their unwavering compassion for our students is both inspiring and deserving of celebration,” said Kristen Clark, Administrative Director of Classified Personnel.

Kelly Davis

Kelly Davis, Back Bay High School

As the administrative assistant for Back Bay High School for 17 years, Kelly knows the school well and is instrumental in supporting students and staff. In addition to assisting the school principal, she facilitates communication between site staff, district personnel, students, and families; prepares and maintains financial, inventory, and personnel records; and generally runs the front office. She contributes to her school’s positive environment by participating in school events and Associated Student Body activities and being welcoming to students.

“She never hesitates to help. During senior project interviews, a student expressed excitement over a dressy jacket that belonged to Kelly. Without hesitation, she gifted the jacket to the student, a small yet profoundly meaningful act of kindness that underscores her genuine care for the students she serves,” said Principal Scott Mazurier. 

After 23 years at NMUSD, Kelly is an invaluable asset with a comprehensive understanding of school and district policies, regulations, and operational procedures that ensure seamless compliance. 

“Her humility and focus on uplifting those around her reflect our school’s core values. In a setting that often presents challenges, Kelly remains a source of strength and resilience, navigating obstacles with grace and inspiring others with her commitment and passion,” Mazurier said.

Yesenia Rosales

Yesenia Rosales, Extended Day Program

Yesenia Rosales’ commitment to the Newport-Mesa community is evident through her contributions to the district’s Expanded Learning Program. As a District Lead Instructional Assistant for NMUSD’s Extended Day Program, she oversees and guides the Extended Day Program staff at multiple elementary school sites, including College Park and Wilson Elementary Schools. She supports the staff in implementing enrichment activities, serving as a liaison between sites, the district, and students and their families. 

Working with fellow staff members, Yesenia takes a collaborative approach that focuses on respect and kindness to cultivate a positive, student-centered culture on elementary school campuses. She shares solutions and supports professional growth. 

Yesenia launched weekly clubs that enhance students’ learning experiences. More than 150 students now participate in activities such as jewelry making, podcast production, flag football, and more. When mariachi music classes were introduced, she noticed students struggling to grasp the material, so she learned to play the music herself so she could work with students to help them succeed. She also served as a linguistics coach and created practice packets to reinforce learning Spanish pronunciations.

“Yesenia exemplifies what it means to be a steadfast and compassionate leader. Her positive influence resonates throughout the Newport-Mesa community, making her a source of strength and inspiration,” said Christy Flores, Director of Engagement, Partnership, and Expanded Learning. 

The NMUSD Board of Education will formally recognize Kelly and Yesenia at its meeting on May 20, 2025.