Following commencement ceremonies in June in which more than 4,700 students graduated, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) recognized several outstanding 2026 employees.
GUHSD’s 2026 honorees include:
Dr. Mark Jeffers, Mount Miguel High School — District Teacher of the Year & San Diego County Teacher of the Year: Dr. Mark Jeffers has served at Mount Miguel High School since 2005 and is the founder and coordinator of the Matador Early College (MEC) program. Dr. Jeffers was also recognized in May as a San Diego County Teacher of the Year.
Tim Cook, Valhalla High School — District Teacher of the Year: Tim Cook is a 9th-grade Global Studies teacher at Valhalla High School recognized for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world issues.
Maggie Ransdell, Granite Hills High School — District Classified Employee of the Year: Maggie Ransdell serves as Administrative Assistant II in the Vice Principal’s Office at Granite Hills High School, where she plays a key role in supporting school operations and athletics. She works closely with coaches, student-athletes, and families to ensure clear communication and efficient coordination across campus activities.
Christine Whitney, El Cajon Valley High School — Superintendent’s Core Values Award:
Christine Whitney, Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) Lead and Site Learning Specialist at El Cajon Valley High School, is recognized for exemplifying the District’s core values of Caring, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Adriana Bush, Mount Miguel High School — School Counselor of the Year: Adriana Bush is a school counselor at Mount Miguel High School recognized for her “students-first” approach and commitment to setting students up for academic and personal success.
Tara Meade, El Capitan High School —District Career Technical Education Teacher of the Year: Tara Meade is an Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at El Capitan High School. Under her leadership, El Capitan’s Agriculture program was named the Outstanding Southern Region Program by the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, earning top honors. Ms. Meade was also recognized as a 2026 Golden Owl Award finalist, a statewide recognition honoring excellence in agricultural education.
