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Sequoia Union High School District announced its annual awards recognizing top teachers, staff and volunteers for their efforts and dedication to their school communities.
Chris Campaña, former president of the Woodside Athletics Booster Organization, is the 2026 Volunteer of the Year, Menlo-Atherton High School math teacher Bobby Wong the district’s 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year, and Carlmont High School custodian Gary Hogan the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year. The district’s honorees were celebrated at its annual staff convocation event on Aug. 10.
“We congratulate Chris Campaña, Gary Hogan and Bobby Wong and thank them for the many ways they have strengthened their school communities,” said Superintendent Crystal Leach. “Their service is a powerful reminder that it takes all of us, and each of us can make a difference.”
Campaña served as the booster organization’s president from July 2023 to June 2026, helping raise more than $200,000 each year to support the high school’s athletics program. He graduated from Woodside High School himself in 1980, and is the parent of a 2025 graduate and a current junior at the school.
Booster organization volunteers and student athletes described Campaña as energetic, innovative and dedicated in a video from the district. Woodside High School Principal Karen Van Putten said in the video that he understood the organization’s mission “to provide for every student.”
Campaña told this news organization that he was driven to get engaged with his children’s sports teams while they were students, and wanted to encourage other parents to donate, volunteer and be involved with their students’ high school community. When he became booster president in 2023, much of his efforts were directed toward rebuilding volunteer efforts that had been lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Campaña ran track while attending Woodside, and both his children played a variety of sports at the school. Between watching his children’s meets and other games involving the school’s 45 teams, he’s seen the joy that comes from updated equipment and nicer uniforms — and and how much coaches and administrators appreciate the extra support from parents.
“I was glad for the recognition,” Campaña said. “It’ll tell the story about the importance of all the volunteer roles at the different schools and how we all make an impact.”
While he’s stepped down as president, Campaña said he’s continuing to volunteer with the organization, especially during fundraising events like the annual Wildcat Prowl run and Crab Feeds.
Wong has taught math at Menlo-Atherton High School for nearly 30 years, and a news release from the district says he’s known for going above and beyond to support students. In a video from the district, multiple students and colleagues described Wong as generous, caring and conscientious. One of the interviewed students said Wong creates a “nice space for people” by speaking to his students with interest and respect.
Principal Karl Losekoot said Wong’s classroom is always packed with students during lunch either asking him for help on their math assignments or “just hanging out.”
“I’m just teaching the way I teach,” Wong said in the video.
Hogan began working as a custodian at Carlmont High School in 2001 and retired in spring 2026. Many students and staff recognize him as a happy and caring presence on campus, describing him as genuine, empathetic and phenomenal in a video from the district.
