The passion and heart for Gorilla nation was palpable this last Friday, May 22nd during the school’s annual awards ceremony luncheon. Superintendent Coup expressed his gratitude to the team that makes it possible for our students to have an excellent education. How each member of the school’s team creates a ripple effect and serves as a dream protector to the students in Solomon. With each year, we are able to see the impact our ripple has made on the future readiness of our students.
Each awards ceremony recognizes the staff’s years of service and awards a Teacher of the Year, Staff Member of the Year and Friend(s) of Gorilla Nation. These are nominated and voted on by Solomon peers. This school year also marked the end of a career with Solomon and new beginnings for several incredible staff. Thank you for your time and service at Solomon, you have truly left a lasting ripple effect in our community and we know that will expand to the communities you move to. Solomon is abundantly blessed with world-class teachers, tireless principals, resourceful administrators, resolute coaches, and exceptional food service and custodial staff.
Yearly Awards
Mrs. Dean Ann Zsamba will be retiring from Solomon USD 393 after 40 years. Though her title is Board Clerk, she has served as much more: Solomon historian, family tree connector, kind ear and honest advisor. We were honored to award her with the Staff Member of the Year award. After 40 years, she is truly a walking representation of Gorilla Pride.
Kyler Stein reached his 5 year milestone this year, but will be taking his talents to St. Mary’s beginning next year. These last 5 years have been filled with building deep relationships, embracing constant growth, and expanding his family. His presence of leadership seeped into the students he coached. Solomon is fortunate to have had the opportunity to build upon a strong individual. We wish Mr. Stein the very best in his upcoming journey.
On behalf of a true Solomon fan, the family of the late Marianna Carney accepted the Friend of Gorilla Nation award. Marianna was an alumna of Solomon and remained devoted to the school, showing up to games and supporting her children and grandchildren. She was involved with the Solomon Gorilla Foundation and continued to stay strong even through declining health. Her legacy will live on through her family who continue to raise their children in the Solomon community.
Another recipient of the Friend of Gorilla Nation award was our beloved, Deb Robertson, High School SPED teacher. She has taken on additional roles in the school, you may recognize her as a volleyball referee or basketball score keeper. She doesn’t shy from building connections with those around her. She has followed in the footsteps of her parents, Delos and Judy Brown, who were inducted into the 2025 Gorilla Hall of Fame, building upon their commitment to the school district. She plays a vital role at Solomon USD 393 and we are honored to have her on our team.
Years Of Service
1 Year
Meredith Brockelman, Christy Clarkson, Christa Crable, Trinity Garza, Chase Kloezenbucher, Logan Krause, Ariel Lambert, and Julie Reid
5 Years
Sydney Cantin, Karen Cooper, Arlene Gonzalez, Ashlyn Geis, Scott Heller, Marvis Hunsche, John Luce, Deb Robertson, and Kyler Stein
10 Years
Liz Krause
15 Years
James Atkisson
25 Years
Delos Brown, Kelley VanDeCreek
Along with these achievements, our staff had many personal wins including new additions to the family, completing LETRs training, growing their student clubs, coaching their student athlethes to achieve new personal bests and so much more. Those small ripples turn into lasting impacts. We are #GorillaProud