2024 Excellence Awards Winners: Honoring the Best in Interpretation & Education

On January 29, 2025, over 100 park staff gathered virtually to celebrate the first annual Interpretation & Education Excellence Awards. The ceremony recognized individuals whose work educates and inspires Californians to forge meaningful connections with the natural and cultural stories of our state parks. The awardees exemplify both interpretive expertise and the department’s core values, ensuring that parks remain welcoming spaces for exploration, enjoyment, and inspiration for all Californians.

Here is a look at this year’s winners:

Rookie of the Year: Claire Andrews, San Diego Coast District

Claire Andrews, State Park Interpreter I, was honored for “cultivating partnerships to increase equity, access, and relevancy for all people in the North Sector Campgrounds” said her supervisor, Alexandra Latona, the district’s Education and Interpretation Manager.

Fellow nominees for Rookie of the Year included:

• Garrett Fuhrman – Inland Empire District
• Ali Manzo – Dos Rios 
• Kyle Floyd – Sutter’s Fort SHP, State Indian Museum SHP
• Kaylie Williams – Bay Area District
• Ryan Ortiz – Seacliff SB

Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisa Bradford, Monterey District

Lisa Bradford, Monterey District Interpretive Programs Manager, was recognized for nearly 30 years of dedicated service. “Lisa has been a steady force, always listening, bringing creative ideas, and helping others grow,” shared longtime colleague, Daniel Williford, State Park Interpreter II.

Fellow nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award included:

• Winter Bonnin – Crystal Cove SP
• Anne Marie Tipton – Tijuana Estuary NP
• Blythe Wilson – I&E Division, Relevancy & History
• Ann Boggess – Channel Coast District
• Julie Sidel – Santa Cruz Mission SHP

Program Partnership Award: Team Old Town San Diego – Día de los Muertos Celebration

San Diego Coast Deputy District Superintendent, Lisa Adams, recognized the leadership of Alexandra Latona and the entire Old Town Team for their collaborative efforts in the 2024 celebration of Día de los Muertos. Adams stated, “This event exemplifies not only what great community partners can do, but what it truly means to work as partners within parks.”

Fellow nominees for the Program Partnership Award included:

• Carly Starr – California State Railroad Museum 
• Boating Outreach Team – I&E Division and Millerton Lake SRA

Media Award: Gabby Bates, Año Nuevo State Park

Senior Park Aide, Gabby Bates, was celebrated for transforming Año Nuevo State Park’s online presence through creative and humorous social media content. “Gabby’s distinct voice has helped Año Nuevo connect with a broader audience and build stronger online communities,” said her nominator, Rhiannon Sims, State Park Interpreter II.

Fellow nominees for the Media Award included:

• Libbie Scheding – Morro Bay SP
• Brandon Caskey – I&E Division, PORTS 

Access Award: Eduardo Gonzalez, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

As the first State Park Interpreter I assigned to Millerton Lake SRA, Eduardo Gonzalez has played a key role in improving public access to parks in the Central Valley. “Utilizing his interpretive skills and bilingual talents, Eduardo has become a prime example of putting the right person in the right job,” said Mike Merritt, Interpretation Program Manager for the Central Valley District.

Fellow nominees for the Access Award included:

• Ian Bernstein – Inland Empire District
• San Diego North Sector Team – San Diego Coast District
• San Diego South Sector Team – San Diego Coast District
• Becky Corbet – California State Railroad Museum
• Erika Granadino – North Coast Redwoods District
• Elexis Padron – Half Moon Bay SB

Interpretive Leader Award: Jason Rankins, California State Railroad Museum

Jason Rankins, Guide II Supervisor, was honored for his inclusive leadership and dedication to developing his team’s talents, including the launch of the popular Roundhouse Crosstalk podcast. His staff shared that he embodies the core values of California State Parks by expanding access, fostering innovation, and prioritizing people.

Fellow nominees for the Interpretive Leader Award included:

• Lydia Stinson – I&E Division, PORTS 
• Alexandra Latona – San Diego Coast District
• Lillie Oravetz – Calaveras Big Trees SP
• Peter Ostroskie – Bay Area District
• Lori Wear – Great Basin District

Educator Extraordinaire Award: Allison Frye, Malibu Creek State Park & Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Allison Frye “sets the standard for excellence” noted one of her nominators who praised her tireless work to develop and adapt field trips to be inclusive of all students whether they are new English Language Learners or exploring park trails in a wheelchair. “Allison is a living example of what it means to go above and beyond,” shared Lily Nia, a fellow State Park Interpreter I. 

Fellow nominees for the Educator Extraordinaire Award included:

• Anita Balcar – San Elijo SB
• Alex Anderson – Crystal Cove SP
• Julie Madden-Fulk – Monterey SHP
• Elaine Chaney – Hearst Castle
• Kat Gabrielson – MacKerricher SP
• Teddie Jackson – Calaveras Big Trees SP 

Inspiring Interpreter Award: Maiya Rainer, Sue-meg State Park, Senior Park Aide 

Maiya Rainer, was honored for her passion for Indigenous education and storytelling. Her interpretation of Yurok culture and the natural world has inspired thousands of visitors to connect deeply with the park’s history. North Coast Redwoods District’s State Park Interpreter III, Karla Jovel, praised Maiya’s dedication, stating, “Maiya is unapologetic in her approach, deeply passionate about her work, and a true inspiration to those who experience her programs.”

Fellow nominees for the Inspiring Interpreter Award included:

• Darcy Page – Plumas-Eureka SP
• Shelly Imler – Chino Hills SP
• Debbie Hollingsworth – California State Railroad Museum 
• Daniel Williford – I&E Division, Cannabis Watershed Protection Program
• Claire Andrews – South Carlsbad SB 

In closing remarks, Director Armando Quintero celebrated the community of interpretation professionals stating, “You all have the ability to reveal stories and make connections that create understanding and empathy, so that we work better together. And I cannot thank you enough for the work that you do.”