Staff Spotlight: Evan Vercellini
Evan Vercellini has been part of NVUSD since the 2020–21 school year, beginning his journey during the unique challenges of the COVID year. He found his home at River School and has remained on the same campus through its transition to Unidos Middle School. The sense of connection to the site and its students has kept him rooted there ever since.
A proud graduate of NVUSD, Evan attended Browns Valley Elementary, Harvest Middle School, and Napa High School, Class of 2014. Returning to serve in the district that shaped him has made his work especially meaningful.
What excites Evan most is working with students whose brains are still forming. He loves their creativity, their humor, and the thoughtful ideas they bring into the classroom each day.
How would you describe your current job to an extraterrestrial who just landed in Napa Valley?
I am a fire extinguisher that uses empathy and math to put out fires instead of toxic chemicals. They won't understand our language anyways, so I may as well say something funny! Can you tell I'm a middle school teacher?
What was one of your first jobs that you remember fondly and why?
I remember being one of the very few staff on campus in 2020-21, and those of us who showed up becoming close. I didn't want to teach from my bedroom in my mom's house!
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I play a lot of DnD and a lot of Tennis!
Tell us about a time you set a challenging goal for yourself and how you accomplished it?
Last year I broke my leg and tore three different muscles. Afterwards, I wanted to get back to 100% and run a half marathon. I set out step by step goals for Physical Therapy, then for running and kept pushing myself to do a little better and a little more each day!
What motivates you to do your best?
Showing up for myself and my students
What three (3) historical individuals (living or dead) or fictional characters (from books, TV, movies, etc.) would you most like to have dinner with?
Jester Lavorre (Critical Role)
Charlotte Wessels (Singer/Artist)
Cleopatra
What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I've been to 137 concerts (and counting)!
Your Favorite NVUSD Core Value:
#2 because it can encapsulate so much - we can celebrate our students, celebrate our wins, treat each other well, etc. Ultimately, I want my time at school, and my students' time at school, to be positive and joyful!
What is one of your books or favorite quotations?
"Not all those who wander are lost" -Bilbo Baggins
One of Evan's favorite quotes is:
"Not all those who wander are lost."
-Bilbo Baggins