NCVSC STEM Teacher of the Year Announced

The North Central Valley STEM Center (NCVSC) named Joell Russell as the Albert Brocchini Memorial STEM Teacher of the Year, recognizing the John C. Kimball High School teacher for her work engaging students and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. She teaches human physiology and enhanced biology at the school, which is part of the Tracy Unified School District.
 
“Mrs. Russell gives students access to STEM opportunities in a variety of ways through collaboration, communication, and creativity,” according to her nomination, submitted by Kimball High School’s science department. “Her inquiry-based problems address real-world problem-solving solutions.”
 
Whether students are growing mung beans in a greenhouse they designed or building a solar oven using cardboard and aluminum foil – Russell gives her biology students projects that combine hands-on activities with critical thinking. Russell builds excitement for many careers in the medical field in her physiology class, and she is a valued resource for students looking for pathways into the nursing field. A 25-year veteran teacher, Russell has been the science department chair for 12 years. She is part of the school’s reconstruction committee, which is working to add labs and other science resources for students. She also supports STEM education across the districts as a member of the District STEM Instructional Leadership Team.
 
The NCVSC also awarded a scholarship to Jonathan Salinas, senior at Ripon High School (Ripon Unified School District). 
 
The North Central Valley STEM Center is a regional collaborative partnership of area leaders in education, industry, and business. This is the 11th year NCVSC has issued STEM awards, which come with a cash prize. Awards are sponsored by the NCVSC, Brocchini Farms, the late Kristine Brocchini, and the Cardenas family. 

2026 North Central Valley STEM Center Awards

Albert Brocchini Memorial STEM Teacher of the Year ($1,000): 

• Joell Russell, John C. Kimball High School (Tracy Unified School District)

NCVSC STEM Scholarship ($1,000):

• Jonathan Salinas, Ripon High School (Ripon Unified School District)