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Heroes of SUSD 2026-2027

Heroes of SUSD in Their Footsteps
★ Celebrating Our People

Heroes of SUSD

Every day, extraordinary people across Stockton Unified make a difference in the lives of our students, families, colleagues, and community. Heroes of SUSD celebrates the people behind that work and gives our community an opportunity to see SUSD through their footsteps.

Featured Hero
Natalia Vega, Head Custodian at Kohl Elementary School
HEROES OF SUSD

Meet Natalia Vega

Hero Spotlight Video Coming Soon

Heroes of SUSD • Story No. 03

Meet Natalia Vega

Natalia Vega, Head Custodian at Kohl Elementary School, is our latest Hero of SUSD!

Each month, Stockton Unified School District recognizes an outstanding employee who goes above and beyond for our students and schools. As part of our “In Their Footsteps” series, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez works alongside these dedicated employees to experience firsthand the important work they do each day.

Thank you, Natalia, for your hard work, passion, and dedication to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for students and staff. Your contributions make a difference every day!

★ Explore the Series

More Heroes of SUSD

Explore previous Heroes of SUSD stories and meet the people making a difference across Stockton Unified.

Story No. 02
Heroes of SUSD

Mr. Stephan Torres-Esquire

At Stockton Unified’s Young Adult Program, Mr. Stephan brings energy, compassion, and encouragement to his classroom every day, helping students ages 18–22 with special needs build confidence, develop life skills, and become as independent as possible. SUSD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez joined Mr. Stephan and his students as part of “In Their Footsteps,” experiencing a day filled with music, movement, a campus beautification project, and even a student-produced newscast — YAP News! As Mr. Stephan says, his students are “champions and leaders,” and his dedication to helping them thrive is why his colleagues nominated him as a Hero of SUSD. Congratulations, Mr. Stephan!

▶ Watch Story
Story No. 01
Heroes of SUSD

Mr. Anthony Arinaga

A Lead in Food Service at Franklin High School, Mr. Arinaga is recognized for the dedication, care, and connection he brings to students every day.

▶ Watch Story

Celebrating the Heart of SUSD

Heroes of SUSD shines a light on the people, stories, and contributions that make Stockton Unified a stronger community.

Celebrating the people whose passion, dedication, and connection to students make a difference every day.

Extraordinary People

Recognizing employees and community members whose dedication goes above and beyond.

Meaningful Impact

Sharing the moments and contributions that positively impact students, families, and schools.

Stories Worth Sharing

Giving our community a closer look at the people who help make Greater Things possible across SUSD.

In Their Footsteps

Follow along as Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez continues highlighting the people and stories that represent the dedication, compassion, and spirit of Stockton Unified School District.

★ Know Someone Amazing?

Nominate a Hero of SUSD

Help us recognize the people who inspire, uplift, and make a meaningful difference across Stockton Unified. Nominate someone whose dedication deserves to be celebrated.

Nominate a Hero
QR code for the Heroes of SUSD nomination form

Scan to nominate