Greenway High School’s Achievement Above All awards were presented by the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board, honoring individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the school community.
Emily Berg was recognized as the teacher recipient. A 2009 graduate of Greenway High School, Berg returned to her alma mater after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in Secondary Education with a Special Education emphasis from Northern Arizona University. Over the past 13 years, she has taught all levels of dance at Greenway, including adaptive dance, and served as Dance Line Coach and Color Guard Advisor. Colleagues describe her as “a consistent source of positivity and leadership, bringing passion and professionalism to every performance, rehearsal, and campus event.” She is known for creating a supportive classroom environment where “growth, confidence, and belonging are seen all around.” According to district information, educators like Berg help deliver rigorous academic programs and extracurricular activities that support student growth (https://www.guhsdaz.org/).
Chelsea Brand was honored as the student recipient. As a senior, Brand has maintained top academic standing by completing 18 Honors and Advanced Placement courses. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, Commended National Merit student, Flinn Scholar semifinalist, secretary of the AP/Honors Club, co-president of the National Honor Society, and the top-ranked player on Greenway’s badminton team. Teachers say she “models quiet leadership grounded in effort and self-motivation,” supporting peers through tutoring and leadership roles.
The Cross Country program received recognition as the student group recipient. The team consists of 41 athletes led by head coach Scott Giddings with assistant coaches Adam Mrozinski and Joseph Walker. Both boys’ and girls’ teams qualified for state championships this season. Individual honors included first-team all-section for Edgar Gomez and Nehemiah Llamas; second-team all-section for Dylan Marquez, Lillie Dyer, and Nico Racite; and a state meet medal for Kelsey Turley. The team is noted not only for athletic achievement but also for volunteering at elementary meets and assisting with campus events.
Shannon Nelson was named support staff recipient. Nelson has been part of Greenway since 2002 when she started as a volleyball coach before taking on roles including instructional assistant in Special Education and Title I programs. Currently serving as Athletic Secretary, Nelson is credited with building positive environments for students: “Her coaching philosophy emphasizes character, teamwork, and respect…her presence brings calm and positivity to every environment she joins.”
Ed Naujokaitis received the volunteer award for his work as a sports and event photographer at Greenway High School. He provides high-quality images at no cost to students or families while supporting athletics, performing arts, school announcements, yearbooks, and media programs. Colleagues describe him as someone whose “dedication goes far beyond expectations” who focuses on making sure students feel celebrated.
According to the Glendale Union High School District’s official website (https://www.guhsdaz.org/), the district oversees 10 comprehensive high schools in Glendale serving grades 9-12 with a focus on academic rigor—including STEM education—and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities such as championship athletics and award-winning fine arts programs. All schools within GUHSD have received “A” ratings (https://www.guhsdaz.org/) based on their performance.
The district also promotes an inclusive atmosphere that emphasizes respect among students (https://www.guhsdaz.org/). Its governing board consists of five members serving four-year terms (https://www.guhsdaz.org/).
Through these recognitions at Greenway High School—spanning teaching excellence, student achievement, athletic leadership, staff dedication, and volunteer service—the district highlights its ongoing commitment to fostering opportunity across academics and extracurriculars.
