Donald Noorda, Alexandra McQuinn, and Maria and Jesús Salas are Elko County School District’s December STARS — or Staff and Teachers Achieving Results with Students — award recipients.
These staff members have demonstrated long-standing dedication to students, professionalism in their daily work, and a deep commitment to creating positive and supportive school environments.
December 2025 STARS Recipients
Donald Noorda
Noorda, an agricultural science teacher at Wells Combined School, was nominated anonymously and by district staff.
His nomination noted the lasting impact he has made on students over more than three decades in education. “Few teachers can claim to have made an impact comparable to the impact that Donald Noorda has made at Wells High School,” the nomination read.
Since 1993, Noorda has helped students excel both academically and through career and technical education programs. He has coached more than 250 state-level FFA competitors and several national Gold teams.
“When asked how many contests he’s won, he always replies, ‘I haven’t won any — the students did it all,’” the nomination continued.
Noorda is also known for encouraging students to seek recognition in person whenever possible. “Where Mr. Noorda goes, positivity and students follow,” wrote nominator Hillary Baker. “I hope every student in our district has the opportunity to find a teacher and mentor as thoughtful as you.”
Alexandra McQuinn
McQuinn, a fourth-grade teacher at Northside Elementary School, was nominated by her student, Preston Winrod.
In his nomination, Winrod praised McQuinn for her kindness and encouragement. “She is nice and puts a smile on all my classmates’ faces every morning,” he wrote.
He shared that McQuinn helps students understand challenging concepts and supports them when learning feels difficult. “She has gone above and beyond to help me,” he wrote. “She takes a special interest in things I like and comes up with different ways to help me.”
Maria and Jesús Salas
Salas and Salas, custodians at Jackpot Combined School, were nominated anonymously.
Their nomination highlighted their daily professionalism and pride in their work. “They exemplify dedication and professionalism every single day,” the nomination stated. “No matter the task, they approach their responsibilities with a positive attitude and a genuine smile.”
The nomination noted that teachers and students alike appreciate the care they take in maintaining the school. “Their reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond make them an invaluable part of the school community,” it read.
“They are a true asset to the school and deserve to be recognized for their outstanding contributions.”
This recognition is made possible through the generosity of LeeAnne’s Floral Designs, Orla Mining, Dos Amigos, Maverick Gaming, Sugar y Spice, The Star, Fratelli Pizza, and the Rotary Club of Elko Desert Sunrise.
Staff, students, and community members are encouraged to nominate any school district employee who demonstrates exceptional commitment and performance in serving students. The nomination form is available on the STARS webpage on the Elko County School District website.