Maria Cortez won 'Best Dressed' on May 9, 2025 during Bordewich Bray Elementary School’s teacher appreciation event.
Photo by Jessica Garcia.
Bordewich Bray Elementary School’s administration laid out the red carpet and special awards for its staff Friday.
Singer Taylor Swift, well enough without boyfriend Kansas Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, was “too important” to talk to some of her fans.
“My songs are just a hit right now,” Haley Brown, social worker dressed as Swift, said. “I might switch genres, though, from country to pop.”
Several Audrey Hepburns looked fabulous in their little black dresses from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The cool men strutted their stuff, waving their hands in the air.
Bordewich Bray Elementary School’s administration laid out the red carpet and special awards for its staff on May 9, 2025. Photos by Jessica Garcia of the Nevada Appeal.
Bordewich Principal Cheryl Richetta and a few Carson City School District administrators brought National Teacher Recognition Week to a Hollywood-worthy end. The week is held in May each year and encourages communities to cheer on teachers.
Bordewich’s teachers received mini Oscar trophies and handwritten notes from students for their hard work this past year.
Brown said it was an honor to be recognized.
“We’ve had our amazing moments, like everyone, and then we’ve had our not so amazing moments, like everyone,” she said. “The last month of school, I think, is the most fun. Everyone’s here to enjoy it and everything’s closing down and we’re able to actually enjoy things and focus on what matters the most.”
Their prances and costumes were judged for creativity. Richetta interviewed them as they entered the building as if they were celebrities approaching a star-studded event. Winners included Maria Cortez as “Best Dressed,” Brown as “Best Celebrity Impersonation” as Swift and the ASP (Alternative Standards Program) entourage for “Best Red Carpet Walk,” including Irma Moreno as Audrey Hepburn and Janet Ingram as security with Debbie Gutzmann, Kathy Brown and Rachel Rogers as the entourage.
Honorees danced to energetic music, were asked what the best part about their job is and had their photos taken against a special backdrop. Most shared with Richetta the students make their work worthwhile while others shared favorite humorous moments from the classroom.
Second-grade teacher Jessica Dunbar, dressed in a glittery, sporty ensemble, said Richetta’s effort to acknowledge everyone made her feel valued.
“She goes above and beyond all the time, but to take the time to make elementary fun for us and the kids, it’s just everything,” she said. “(Walking down the carpet), that’s wild because we don’t get to do that in our everyday life, but it was a very fun idea.”