October 22, 2021

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Community Resources

WALNUT, CA—In keeping with tradition, the Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized exemplary students and parents during the October 20 meeting.

Collegewood Elementary fifth grader Audrey Lam was celebrated for grit and resilience with the Super Star Student Award. In August 2020, as students prepared to begin virtual learning, Audrey began her fight against leukemia. She juggled treatment, recovery, and healing with school work.  “Audrey’s unbelievable drive and love of learning shone through each day with a lovely smile and the determination to do her best,” described teacher Joey Navarro. “She will forever be an inspiration to me,” he said. “Audrey showed the entire Collegewood community what it meant to be a cancer thriver, not just a survivor!” shared Interim Principal Jeannette Schaller.

Parent volunteer Katie Daher was recognized with the Partner in Education Award. Katie is currently serving as Community Club president for the second consecutive year. She is quick to welcome new families and has built authentic relationships with parents and staff. Ms. Daher handled the challenges of virtual learning with grace and found ways to keep kids connected by gathering resources for the Candy Cane Lane and fifth-grade drive-through promotion. She played a pivotal role in bringing student-centered activities including the Imagination Machine, where student writing would be performed. “Ms. Daher works to bring joy to kids and never seeks recognition.  It is our honor to celebrate her hard work and name her our Partner in Education,” Schaller said.

Ron Hockwalt Academies (RHA) honored senior John Shin with the Super Star Student Award. “John is a mature individual who strives to see life through various lenses as he challenges himself to understand others’ points of view,” shared Director of Pupil Personnel and RHA Principal Dr. Ron Thibodeaux. John also has the heart to serve others.  Last year, he assembled winter supply bags for a local homeless shelter. He also put together the furniture for the RHA Hope Center and worked with staff to create a space for students to reconnect, reimagine and restore their lives. Recently, John stepped up to support the virtual independent studies students as a peer mentor and tutor.  “John is an asset and makes a difference at RHA!” Dr. Thibodeaux said.

Parent Johnny Adargaz received the Partner in Education Award for his contributions to the Perseverance Pond where RHA students have an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Mr. Adargaz’s son Angel is a current RHA student who has taken a keen interest in the Pond. Seeing his son’s passion, Mr. Adargaz donated water lilies, water hyacinth, plants and Koi fish. “Through his generous donation, RHA’s Perseverance Pond has become a place where students find calmness, enjoy each other’s company, process through their own personal life decisions, and celebrate when they persevere as each finds HOPE.” Dr. Thibodeaux added.

Shown:

Trustees honor Collegewood Elementary fifth grader Audrey Lam with the Super Star Student Award on Oct. 20. 

Parent volunteer Katie Daher receives the WVUSD Partner in Education Award. 

Ron Hockwalt Academies student John Shin recognized with the Super Star Student Award. 

Parent Johnny Adargaz receives the Partner in Education Award on Oct. 20.