May 3, 2019
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA—In keeping with tradition, the Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees paid tribute to stellar students and community members during the April 10 meeting.
Parent volunteer Molly Mendoza received the Partner in Education Award for her tireless efforts on behalf of South Pointe Middle School.
Molly is the Community Club President and founder of the Performing Arts Boosters.
She has rallied families to contribute support to the school with technology, field trips, Renaissance Fair, and 8th Grade Promotion.
“Thanks to her leadership, the Performing Arts program benefits from both family support and funding, ensuring important opportunities for choir and drama students,” said Principal Dr. Susan Arzola.
This year, Molly introduced a new Angel Bin shoe drive which netted 2,000 pairs of shoes to be repurposed or recycled.
South Pointe didn’t make much money on the community outreach endeavor, but that was never the intent.
“Molly’s primary goal was to empower our students to think of others and how they can help,” Arzola said.
She worked with ASB leadership students, standing in front of the school promoting the drive, assisting in rubber banding, counting, and then bagging each pair.
“Molly’s efforts on behalf of all of South Pointe’s students have helped us to make a difference in our community and our school. South Pointe is a better place because of her contributions!” Arzola said.
South Pointe 8thgrader Nadeem Hamideh was honored with the Super Star Student Award for her positive attitude, love of learning, and inspiring fellow students and staff each day.
The exceptional student has only been at South Pointe since the fall, but quickly became a proud Panther that has befriended, inspired, and touched many lives.
“Nadeem is intelligent, kind, and has an incredibly positive attitude and has, not surprisingly, made many friends at The Pointe,” Arzola said.
“She is quick to smile, even in very difficult times.”
Despite her challenges, Nadeem comes to school ready to learn and determined to make the most out of each day.
She spends one class period a day working as a TA in the office and has become a vital member of the team, working equally well with office staff and other students.
She is quick to help and is friendly and kind to everyone she meets.
“We are all so inspired by the strength, enthusiasm and grace of this lovely young lady. Her positive attitude, love of learning, and love of South Pointe inspires us daily,” Arzola said.
Ron Hockwalt Academies senior Christopher Chala was honored with the Super Star Student Award for marked improvement, being a school leader, and an example of what it means to have hope and heart.
“Having been involuntarily transferred from Diamond Bar High School, Chris has completely turned his life around,” said Principal Dr. Donna Hunter.
This year, Chris was selected to serve as his school’s representative on the elite Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.
“Chris recognizes the second chance he been given at Ron Hockwalt Academies. Although he qualified to return to Diamond Bar in 2018, he made the choice to stay and complete high school,” Hunter said.
Chris is interested in pursuing Culinary Arts as well as Nursing, and plans to continue his educational pursuits at Mt. San Antonio College.
Parent Kristine Chalareceived the surprise Partner in Education recognition for the ongoing care and assistance she provides at Ron Hockwalt Academies.
“Kristine has been a great supporter at Ron Hockwalt, attending all of our events and working directly with our counselor to ensure Chris and all students have the support they need to emotionally, socially, and academically successful,” Hunter said.
Shown:
South Pointe Middle School parent Molly Mendoza received the Partner in Education Award.
Board of Trustees honors South Pointe 8thgrader Nadeem Hamideh with the Super Star Student Award.
Ron Hockwalt Academies senior Christopher Chala was honored with the Super Star Student Award. Shown with Board President Helen Hall and Principal Dr. Donna Hunter.
Ron Hockwalt Academies parent Kristine Chala receives Partner in Education recognition. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.