This award recognizes an educator who has distinguished themselves in their community; by going above and beyond the regular duties of an educator to truly make an impact on a school, district, college, or community. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.

Award Category sponsored by

Tim Wood is the band director of Swope Middle School in Reno, NV. As the band director, he fosters his students’ love of learning and passion for music. His dedication to teaching goes above and beyond the call of duty by caring for all his students. He feeds students who show up to Saturday band practice without lunch, drives to every school collecting instruments for his students to play because his school was short, and so much more. He cares about his students and truly believes in the importance of music.

Robert del Carlo, known as Bobby by his friends, is a two-time alumnus from the University of Nevada, Reno with bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience and Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology. Dr. del Carlo is an instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. He has a proven track record of civic engagement through his volunteer work with PBS Reno as an invited speaker for Careers in STEAM, his paid roles as a Chief Justice for the University of Nevada Judicial Council, and his time on the LGBTQIAP+ task force. His mentorship and guidance have had major life-changing impacts on his students and what they can achieve. He is methodical in how he arranges his classes and teaches students how to engage in difficult topics related to bioethics in a respectful and investigative method. He has earned multiple awards through the University due to his teaching and mentorship and has left a lasting impact on the future generation.

Jim Verdi has been an educator in the Washoe County School District for 26 years. He started as a middle school math teacher and is now the Principal at Spanish Springs Elementary School, holding several positions in between. Jim Verdi has done many extraordinary things for the students of Washoe County. He has created and fostered an amazing culture at his school where everyone feels welcome and included. You can find Jim outside every day greeting the students and families as they arrive at school. He is a principal who is very involved and visible in every classroom. He knows his students by name and truly cares about them. Jim has served on many committees and boards throughout his career and is always striving to make schools better. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact Diane Barrett, Community Partnership Director
PBS Reno • O: 775-600-0584 • C: 415-385-5657 • dbarrett@pbsreno.org

Our previous Spotlight Awards and Auction honorees and events:

2023 Winners and Finalists | 2022 Winners and Finalists | 2021 Winners and Finalists | 2020 Winners and Finalists