Cascade School District names employees of the year

Throughout her seven years with CSD, Jill Weil has worked as a Multilingual Specialist, Migrant Graduation Specialist, and an English Language Arts teacher.

CASCADE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Eduardo “Eddie” Barragan runs the kitchen Peshastin-Dryden Elementary.

CASCADE SCHOOL DISTRICT

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LEAVENWORTH — Cascade School District (CSD) has announced Jill Weil and Eduardo “Eddie” Barragan its Certificated and Classified Employees of the Year.

Weil has worked for the district in various capacities for seven years, including as a Multilingual Specialist, Migrant Graduation Specialist, and an English Language Arts teacher. Weil is originally from North Carolina, where she taught in a Dual Language program. She holds a master’s degree in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Western Carolina University. She is also a National Board-Certified teacher. 

“Jill has a passion for using her skills as a multilingual specialist in the general education classroom. She works to make content comprehensible, accessible, and engaging for all students,” the district wrote in its announcement.

Barragan joined CSD as a food service delivery driver four years ago. A couple of years later, he was offered the opportunity to run the kitchen at Peshastin-Dryden Elementary. However, Barragan has been cooking for over 32 years. According to the district, he began his culinary journey in California on a work visa, working at resorts and ranches where he discovered his passion for cooking. Barragan eventually applied for citizenship and moved to the valley. Prior to joining CSD, he worked his way up to kitchen manager at Kristall’s restaurant, where he remained for 25 years.

Barragan said his favorite part of his job is the students, whose positivity and enthusiasm make each day rewarding. He added that he looks forward to seeing the excitement on their faces when they they come through the line saying, “Hi Mr. Eddie!” and, “Thank you, Mr. Eddie!” The work has become especially meaningful now that his granddaughter attends school, giving him the chance to see her every day while cooking for the community he calls home.