GUHSD BOARD AWARDS GREENWAY
Strength in Green and Gold: Greenway High School’s Achievement Above All Honorees
The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board acknowledges Greenway High School’s Achievement Above All recipients, honoring individuals whose influence, commitment, and impact help define the spirit of the Greenway Demons community. These honorees represent the collective effort of educators, students, staff, and volunteers who make Greenway a place where excellence runs green and gold. Through their work, they strengthen connections, expand opportunities, and support student growth across campus.
Teacher recipient: Emily Berg
Emily Berg’s connection to Greenway High School runs deep, beginning as a student and continuing today as a dedicated educator. A 2009 graduate of Greenway High School, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from Arizona State University in 2013 before returning to her alma mater to lead the dance program. She later completed a master’s degree in Secondary Education with a Special Education emphasis from Northern Arizona University, further strengthening her commitment to supporting all learners. Her educational journey reflects a strong foundation in the arts that continues to shape her work with students.
Over the past 13 years, Berg has taught every level of dance at Greenway, including adaptive dance, and has also served as Dance Line Coach and Color Guard Advisor. Her programs are known for their energy, discipline, and strong sense of pride, highlighted by standout performances such as the Performance Dance Company’s Arabian Nights routine presented during a Phoenix Suns halftime show. Colleagues describe her as a consistent source of positivity and leadership, bringing passion and professionalism to every performance, rehearsal, and campus event. Her dedication to students and willingness to support schoolwide initiatives have made her a respected leader within the Greenway community.
Berg’s impact is most visible in the relationships she builds with students and the positive environment she creates in her classroom. Known for her compassion, work ethic, and ability to connect with students from all backgrounds, she creates a space where growth, confidence, and belonging are seen all around. Her focus on ensuring every student feels valued reflects a belief that learning is strongest when everyone is supported. Through her energy, care, and commitment to student success, Emily Berg continues to leave a lasting mark on the Greenway Demons community.
Student recipient: Chelsea Brand
Chelsea Brand is a senior at Greenway High School whose academic excellence and commitment to learning have distinguished her throughout her high school career. She has challenged herself with a rigorous schedule that includes numerous Honors and Advanced Placement courses, consistently earning top marks while maintaining a strong focus on personal growth. Her academic journey has been defined by curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to take on new challenges, qualities that have positioned her among the top 1% ranking in her class. Beyond academics, Chelsea’s interests include badminton and painting, reflecting a balance of intellectual focus and personal creativity as she prepares for college after graduation.
Chelsea’s achievements reflect both consistency and drive. She has completed 18 Honors and AP courses, earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and was named a Commended National Merit student and Flinn Scholar semifinalist. Outside the classroom, she has taken on leadership roles as the AP/Honors Club secretary and the National Honor Society co-president. As the top-ranked player on Greenway’s badminton team, she helped lead the program to the second round of the state tournament, earning Player of the Year honors and demonstrating determination and teamwork both academically and athletically.
What sets Chelsea apart is the way she approaches every opportunity with humility, accountability, and a genuine love of learning. Teachers describe her as approachable, positive, and deeply committed to improving not only herself but also those around her. Whether supporting peers through tutoring, leading student organizations, or competing on the court, she models quiet leadership grounded in effort and self-motivation. Her willingness to challenge herself, reflect on growth, and remain focused on continuous improvement has made a lasting impression on the Greenway community and serves as a strong example for her peers.
Student group recipient: Cross Country
Greenway High School's Cross Country program brings together 41 student-athletes united by a shared commitment to teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth. Led by head coach Scott Giddings and assistant coaches Adam Mrozinski and Joseph Walker, the team provides students with opportunities to build lasting friendships, develop physical endurance, and work toward common goals. Captains Edgar Gomez, Nehemiah Llamas, Dylan Marquez, Lillie Dyer, Kelsey Turley, and Valeria Garnica help guide the program's culture, which emphasizes involvement, accountability, and lifelong fitness. Through practices, competitions, and team traditions, the program continues to offer students a meaningful way to connect with the Greenway community.
The Demons Cross Country team delivered an impressive season, with both the boys and girls teams qualifying for the state championships and each finishing among the top 15. Individual accomplishments included first-team all-section honors for Edgar Gomez and Nehemiah Llamas, second-team all-section recognition for Dylan Marquez, Lillie Dyer, and Nico Racite, and a state meet medal earned by Kelsey Turley. Additional achievements included championship finishes at the Peaks Invitational and GUHSD events, reflecting the team's consistent competitiveness and dedication. Beyond race results, the program's growth as one of the district's largest teams highlights the strong leadership and positive environment created by coaches and student-athletes alike.
What makes this group especially impactful is the way team members extend their commitment beyond competition. During a demanding season that includes travel across Arizona and beyond, athletes volunteer at elementary school meets, helping younger runners safely navigate courses and encouraging them along the way. They also support campus traditions by assisting with community events, including holiday celebrations for staff families, showing a strong sense of connection to the broader school community. Through their steady work ethic, willingness to serve, and support for one another, Greenway's Cross Country team continues to leave a meaningful and lasting impression on campus.
Support staff recipient: Shannon Nelson
Shannon Nelson has been a dedicated member of the Greenway High School community for more than two decades, building strong connections with students, athletes, and staff through multiple roles on campus. With a bachelor’s degree in Social Science emphasizing Psychology and Sociology, she brings both professional knowledge and a student-centered perspective to her work. Her journey at Greenway began on the volleyball court in 2002 as a junior varsity coach, eventually growing into a long-standing commitment to the school and its athletic programs. Today, she serves as the Athletic Secretary while continuing to support the students and programs that define the Greenway Demons.
Over the years, Nelson’s professional path has reflected versatility and steady leadership. She spent many seasons coaching volleyball, including taking over the varsity girls program and founding the boys volleyball program. In 2016, she joined Greenway full-time as an instructional assistant, first supporting Special Education and later Title I programs, before transitioning into her current role in athletics. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes character, teamwork, and respect, a standard reflected in both her boys' and girls' teams earning the AIA Sportsmanship Award: recognition that highlights the culture she builds rather than wins and losses. Colleagues describe her as organized, dependable, and someone whose presence brings calm and positivity to every environment she joins.
Nelson’s impact is felt in the way she supports people both on and off the court. Whether assisting coaches and families, organizing athletic programs, or guiding student-athletes through challenges, she leads with patience and consistency. Her focus on encouragement and accountability has helped create teams and spaces where students feel valued and supported, and her willingness to step into any role needed reflects a deep commitment to the Greenway community. Through her steady leadership and care for others, she continues to help shape a positive and welcoming experience for students across campus.
Volunteer recipient: Ed Naujokatis
Ed Naujokaitis has become a familiar and valued presence at Greenway High School through his long-standing volunteer work as a sports and event photographer. Known for documenting moments that define the student experience, he can be found on the sidelines of athletic competitions, in the stands at performances, and at school events throughout the year. Beyond Greenway, Ed also serves as a photographer and video/technical director at Calvary Phoenix Church, bringing years of experience and a deep passion for visual storytelling to his volunteer efforts. His work reflects a personal commitment to capturing memories that students and families can look back on for years to come.
Over time, Naujokaitis has built a reputation for consistency and generosity, attending nearly every home and away event to provide high-quality images at no cost to students or families. His photography supports athletics, performing arts, school announcements, yearbooks, and student media programs, helping preserve the history and energy of the Greenway community. Colleagues and staff describe him as someone whose dedication goes far beyond expectations, highlighting his willingness to step in wherever needed and his quiet, philanthropic approach. From state championship games to special opportunities, his work has allowed families, including those unable to attend in person, to stay connected to important moments in their students’ lives.
What makes Ed’s contribution especially meaningful is the way he approaches volunteering with humility and purpose. Rather than seeking recognition, he focuses on making sure students feel seen and celebrated, often working behind the scenes to ensure their achievements are remembered. His passion for photography, combined with his genuine connection to the Greenway community, has strengthened school culture and created lasting memories for countless families. Through years of steady presence and care, Ed Naujokaitis has become an integral part of the Greenway Demons experience.
A Legacy Woven Through Green and Gold
Together, Greenway High School’s Achievement Above All honorees reflect the many ways dedication and leadership shape a campus community. From classrooms and athletic programs to student leadership, support services, and volunteer contributions, each recipient plays a unique role in creating opportunities and strengthening connections for students. Through their commitment to students and one another, these Greenway recipients continue to strengthen the Demons community and leave a lasting legacy that will influence generations to come.