Gonzales receives Blue Ribbon award

Courtesy Photo

MONTE VISTA — Nick Gonzales, who has been with the Monte Vista School District maintenance team for more than a decade, was recently honored by the San Luis UniServ Unit, the regional unit of the Colorado Education Association, as this year’s Blue-Ribbon Education Support Professional.


He was nominated by Monte Vista High School language arts teacher, Dr. Jessica Castillo Gallegos. Nick, the son of Laurie Lewis Gonzales and Alfredo Gonzales, both retired teachers, is married to Alicia Gonzales, with whom he has three children. His oldest daughter, Trinady, graduated from Monte Vista Senior High School with honors in May 2019 and is now studying sociology and criminology at Adams State University.


Nick, who attended Alamosa High School and Trinidad State Junior College, came to the Monte Vista School District from Vendola Plumbing; in his free time, he enjoys making great music, working on classic cars, and spending time with family and friends. During his time here, Nick has been instrumental in making sure the new high school was a safe and functional place for students and staff, in addition to supporting nearly every large-scale project that takes place at the nine buildings in the district, including meetings, dances, band concerts, student plays and productions, sports competitions, and community events.


Though Nick is best known for his mechanical prowess, he is also being recognized as an outstanding ESP by the Colorado Education Association San Luis UniServ Unit for his commitment to organizing the district’s classified staff and supporting them in their negotiation’s goals. The staff and students of the Monte Vista School District are very fortunate to work with such amazing people and warmly congratulate Mr. Nick Gonzales on his award.