March 18, 2022
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Community Resources
WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees kicked off the March 16 meeting recognizing stellar students and community partners.
Maple Hill Elementary fifth grader Kaylin Kojo-Wilson received the Super Star Student Award for embodying the school’s motto: Kind Heart, Strong Mind, Brave Spirit, Hawk Pride. Kaylin has captured the hearts of staff and students since arriving as a kindergartner. “She is always thinking about others and doing things to make the people around her feel loved,” shared Interim Principal Kim McNeil. Kaylin created handmade bookmarks as gifts for all staff members to show appreciation for their dedicated work during the pandemic. “This gesture of pure compassion and caring is just one example of what makes Kaylin a Maple Hill Hawk we will never forget!” McNeil said.
Dedicated parent volunteers Nicole and Andy Smith were lauded with the Partner in Education Award. “If you’ve ever had the privilege of being in the room with them you can instantly feel their excitement for life and passion for their children,” McNeil said. From the moment they walked onto the Maple Hill campus, this “dynamic duo” has been always willing to lend a hand with countless activities and fundraisers. Andy currently runs the school-wide recycling program and will be on the field at 6 a.m. this Friday setting up for the Hawk Walk, while Nicole has served as the Community Club treasurer and School Site Council president.
South Pointe Middle School eighth grader K’Angelo Watson was honored with the Super Star Student Award. K’Angelo is an amazing young man who has overcome incredible obstacles far beyond COVID. “He has struggled with a deep loss and other challenges, yet he stands in front of us as a happy, confident, successful young man with a GPA of 3.54,” lauded Principal Dr. Susan Arzola. K’Angelo is involved in clubs and choir and even has a solo in the spring musical, “Annie.” He has served on the Principal’s Advisory Council sharing perspectives and offering advocacy for his fellow students while navigating through the pandemic and virtual learning.
South Pointe Community Club President April Alvarado was acknowledged with the Partner in Education Award. During the global pandemic, April helped lead the school community with vision and innovation. “She has been a conduit of communication and helped to reassure our families that their children are safe and thriving,” said Dr. Arzola. Thanks to her leadership, the school was able to host a Drive through 50’s Night with In-N-Out food, complete with staff on roller skates. April also loves to create out-of-the-box fundraisers, including the first-ever Color Run that brought students and staff together through music and a little splash of color. She also made connections needed to furnish the Wellness Center and rallied the community for contributions and support.
Trustees recognized Walnut Valley Financing Corporation Board of Directors Conrad Lund, Dr. Susan Brown, Dr. Roy Takemura, and Thomas Higham with the WVUSD Partner in Education Award for extraordinary commitment to leadership development. “The Walnut Valley Financing Corporation has been an incredible support to the Walnut Valley USD for many years,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. For the past eight years, Walnut Valley Financing Corporation has financed the year-long Leadership Development Seminar with over 300 employee participants. “I can’t thank you enough for the impact you have had on leaders at all levels of our organization,” Dr. Taylor added. The Leadership Development Seminar culminates with a trip back East that includes Gettysburg battlefield leadership training led by Colonel Dr. Jeff McCausland of Diamond 6 Leadership. As a surprise, Colonel McCausland joined the meeting via Zoom to offer congratulations along with Commander’s Coin gifts that symbolize the motto, “Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future.”
Shown:
Maple Hill Elementary fifth grader Kaylin Kojo-Wilson received the Super Star Student Award during the March 16 Board Meeting.
Maple Hill parent volunteers Nicole and Andy Smith were lauded with the Partner in Education Award.
South Pointe Middle School eighth grader K’Angelo Watson was honored with the Super Star Student Award on March 16.
South Pointe Community Club President April Alvarado was acknowledged with the Partner in Education Award.
The Walnut Valley Financing Corporation received the WVUSD Partner in Education Award.