Efrain Alanis, an academic and career advisor at Twin Rivers Adult School, was selected as Employee of the Year in the Health and Student Services Category by the Sacramento County Office of Education for 2025. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Unified School District

MCCLELLAN PARK, CA (MPG) - Twin Rivers Unified School District (TRUSD) classified employees Keren Beukema and Efrain Alanis have been named Sacramento County Classified School Employees of the Year for 2025, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication and profound impact on students and families.

Evaluators from participating districts reviewed applications and video recordings of the nominees. The highest-scoring candidate in each category, nine categories total, was selected for their exemplary work performance, school and community involvement, and leadership. The winner in each category now qualifies to represent Sacramento County in the California Classified School Employees of the Year competition.

Beukema, a library media technician at Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy, was selected as Employee of the Year in the Paraprofessional Services Category.

Alanis, an academic and career advisor at Twin Rivers Adult School, was selected as Employee of the Year in the Health and Student Services Category.

Twin Rivers United School Discrict has a record to show for their commitment to excellence. The district has seen 13 of its classified professionals named Sacramento County Classified School Employees of the Year since 2020 and 41 classified professionals over the past 15 years in various categories. Additionally, three of the Twin Rivers United School Discrict's team members earned California State Classified Employees of the Year honors in 2024, 2021 and 2020.

Beukema said that she was “incredibly honored and truly humbled,” to have been named as an Employee of the Year by the county.

Keren Beukema, a library media technician at Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy, was selected as Employee of the Year in the Paraprofessional Services Category by the Sacramento Office County of Education for 2025. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Unified School District

“It means so much to be recognized in this way as a Sacramento County Classified School Employee of the Year for 2025. I am truly thankful to be part of a community that values and supports one another. Knowing my efforts make a positive impact on our students and families touches my heart,” said Beukema. “I am grateful to my colleagues, school and district leadership, and everyone who’s been part of this journey.”

Beukema said that she always knew it was her mission to create a space for others to feel comfortable, just like the library was for her as a child.

“The small things I do each day, helping a student, supporting a coworker or going the extra mile, remind me what truly matters. It’s easy to give your all when you love what you do. I am proud to see the library at Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy become the hub of the campus for both staff and students,” said Beukema.

As an academic and career advisor, Alanis expresses his passion for serving students and helping them overcome challenges to reach their goals.

“To be recognized for something I love doing every day is incredibly meaningful. It’s not just a personal achievement; it's a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. I’m proud to represent Twin Rivers and the amazing work we do together to support our students and families,” said Alanis.

Both Alanis and Beukema shared that their dedication to their students/staff and being consistent in their work was what contributed to this achievement.

 “I meet each student where they are, listen to their stories and help guide them toward their goals with empathy and encouragement. Whether it’s helping someone enroll, find resources, or navigate career pathways, I always strive to make sure they feel supported and seen,” said Alanis. “I also think being a consistent, positive presence in our school community and collaborating closely with staff and families played a big role.”

Beukema shared that “my consistency, willingness to help wherever needed, and genuine care for the people I work with, both students and staff, contributed to earning this recognition. I always have a positive attitude, stay dependable, and go above and beyond, not because I expect recognition, but because I take pride in my work.”

On June 29, the Sacramento County Office of Education, in sponsorship with Schools First Credit Union, will reserve suites at a River Cats baseball game for the nine employees who were recognized at the county level. They will also be invited to celebrate their achievement at a Sacramento Republic FC soccer game on Oct. 5.

Both employees will now advance to the state-level competition for the California Classified School Employees of the Year award. The California Office of Education hosts its annual Employee of the Year luncheon at the end of May, for those who are selected to represent their respective county and category at the state level. Names of employees selected for the state competition will be announced; for updates visit cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cl.