WVUSD Trustees Recognize Star Students and Parent Volunteers

April 24, 2023

By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees kicked off the April 19 meeting with the recognition of outstanding students and parent volunteers.

Evergreen Elementary fifth grade student Delilah Sanchez received the Super Star Student Award. “She is the epitome of a student who SOARs,” according to Principal Dr. Gabriel Cardenas. “She solves challenges, owns her actions, achieves goals, and respects all. I can’t think of a more deserving student than Delilah for this honor!”  Delilah’s teachers have witnessed her overcome many obstacles with perseverance and grace. She displayed resilience in learning to read and now reads with great fluency and confidence. Delilah always shows a positive attitude, even when concepts are challenging. Her growth over the years has been amazing.  “We feel so lucky and proud to call her our Super Star Student – congratulations!” Cardenas said.

Evergreen parent volunteer Kim Shen received the Partner in Education Award. Kim is an event planner and has been the primary decor volunteer for over six years. She arrives at school events with her van loaded with props and tools and her head filled with decor ideas beyond imagination. Through the years, Kim has transformed areas for pirate, rodeo-round-up, schoolhouse, Mediterranean, tiki hut, and picnic-themed appreciation events. During Family Fun Nights, Evergreen receives a western-style makeover. Not only does Kim spend all day decorating, she has created and donated many props and games for future events. Kim also heads up annual In-N-Out fundraisers and brought Dippin’ Dots sales to the school. “Kim is a creative genius that "Kimified" every Community Club event. We are so grateful for all her hard work and for donating these services to make our events memorable for the students, staff, and Evergreen community,” Cardenas said.

Westhoff Elementary fifth grader Hailey Dy was honored with the Super Star Student Award. “Hailey is a remarkable young lady who inspires others to make good choices by modeling those behaviors,” lauded Principal Dr. Rosa Northcott.  She serves on the Student Council and truly wants to help others. Hailey is a contributor of ideas and is collaborative with her peers. She has a knack for creativity and demonstrates this through her artwork. Hailey truly exemplifies what it means to SHINE at Westhoff. “The teachers, staff, and I are incredibly proud of Hailey and the role model she is for our younger students at Westhoff!” Northcott said.

Trustees presented Community Club President Lorena Huang with the Partner in Education Award. Lorena has dedicated nine years of volunteer service at Westhoff, been a constant on campus, always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. “Rain or shine, you will see Lorena with the brightest smile, a large caffeinated beverage, her signature flip flops, and the determination of a race car in its final lap,” Northcott said. Lorena led the school’s Community Club this year as it resumed events and activities put on pause by the pandemic, including the Culture Fair, Walkathon, and other memorable events. “We are grateful for Lorena’s gift of her time and talents to Westhoff School!”

Shown:

Evergreen Elementary fifth grader Delilah Sanchez received the Super Star Student Award during the April 19 meeting

WVUSD Trustees honored Evergreen parent volunteer Kim Shen with the Partner in Education Award. 

Westhoff Elementary fifth grader Hailey Dy was honored with the Super Star Student Award. 

Trustees presented Community Club President Lorena Huang with the Partner in Education Award during the April 19 meeting