Suzanne Lynne. Courtesy photo

Ken Nebel. Courtesy photo

Uxue Sansinena/Courtesy photo

LEADERSHIP LOS ALAMOS NEWS RELEASE

The depth, breadth, kindness, and compassion in the leadership of our community often goes unrecognized, but Leadership Los Alamos strives to bring contributions into clear focus. At their May 16 graduation, the Board of Directors heralded three leadership categories. They are: The Distinguished Alumnus Award, The Distinguished Leader Award, and the NextGen Leadership Award (for students 13-18). Three such wonderful people were recognized for their work in our community.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award characterizes leadership activities that exemplify the highest levels of standards and achieved community significance. This year’s recipient is Suzanne Lynne. Lynne has been a leader in our community for many years, most noticeably in her roles as a school principal. Her principal duties have included roles at Chamisa Elementary and Los Alamos Middle School, and a stint at Mountain Elementary School after her retirement, when they found themselves needing a principal as the school year began. Prior to her principal roles, Suzanne was a teacher with LAPS for 17 years.

Following her term with Mountain, Suzanne was again pulled from retirement to lead a new district mentoring program for teachers experiencing their first year with the district. This new project was designed to assist new teachers with practices to help them acclimate to the district and become successful in their new roles.

Many who know her well, have noticed Suzanne’s mastering of leadership skills in action. She is a strong communicator, listening carefully when others speak. It is apparent that she listens intently, not to prepare a response, but to understand the speaker more fully. This ability is seen with people of various backgrounds and ages. She has often had the same passion as a speaker at the LLA Education sessions over the years.

One can imagine that her time has impacted hundreds if not thousands of lives of staff, parents, and students over many years of service. That was echoed in her volunteer efforts with the LAPS Foundation. She has served as a Board Member for several years and is currently the Vice- President of the board. She even takes the time to serve on multiple committees for the organization.

The Distinguished Leadership Award is presented to a group or individual who improves the quality of life for Los Alamos citizens and future generations. This year that person is Ken Nebel of Village Arts.

Ken was recognized for his work and volunteer efforts throughout the community for decades. He was once described as the “Heart & Soul,” of the community. Here are just a few of his noteworthy accomplishments.

He was with the Fuller Lodge Art Center for at least 12 years, keeping it open and relevant during the pandemic. He assisted with the merger of the Arts Center and Arts Council. He facilitated arts camps for youth and adults and today offers classes at Village Arts at a nominal charge.

He worked to kickstart the PRIDE activities in town (in June of 2018) and will continue this June. He wanted to make sure there were safe spaces in towns of artists of all ages. Another nominator called him an extraordinary leader who has significantly improved the quality of life for Los Alamos citizens through his dedication to the arts, his tireless work ethic, and his commitment to community-building and leadership has made Los Alamos a better place for all.

A third stated his tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of the County Fair when taking in entries for the town and the County Extension Office. He spent many hours setting up exhibits being a Superintendent and later went on to judge at County Fair as well.

Finally, The NextGen Leadership Award aims to celebrate young leaders for their achievements, fostering a culture of leadership and community engagement among youth. That young leader is Uxue Sansinena, a well-rounded student that graces our community.

Uxue has served in many capacities during her high school career to include Los Alamos High School Key Club, National Honor Society, the youth Kiwanis SW District and a Los Alamos Public Foundation Board Member.

Her volunteer team projects included: a Fentanyl harm reduction event, which distributed 160 doses of Narcan locally while also raising $3000 for the Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She worked to help raise $4000 for wildfire relief efforts and participated in more than 20 service opportunities.

Uxue worked as a Legislative Intern toward improving the middle school structure around New Mexico, including authorship of a committee report titled “Middle School: A Student-Centered Analysis,” which required extensive research of middle school models at state and national
levels.

She was selected as one of two New Mexico delegates to the US Senate Youth Program, travelling to Washington DC to participate. She is a three-time Speech and Debate National Qualifier, spoke to a large group of adults at LAPSF’s Taste for Knowledge and ran one of
the fundraising efforts. To round out her artistic side, Uxue made significant contributions to the arts community as a tenor saxophonist, earning six All-Region Honor Band and two All-State honors.