February 24, 2026
DIAMOND BAR, CA - The Walnut Valley Unified School District proudly celebrated its 27th annual “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards Banquet on February 12, 2026. The ceremony recognized twelve outstanding Classified Employees, who were each recognized monthly throughout 2025.
Guided by this year’s District theme, “The Story Wins,” the District celebrated the 726 Walnut Valley classified employees who shape the story of our students and their success every day. The event was hosted by Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Diane Perez and Director of Human Resources Dr. Robby Jung.
The Cornerstone Award, established in 1999 by the Personnel Commission, recognizes classified employees for going the “extra mile” to support our students, teachers, and schools. Each honoree received an engraved award courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, gift cards, eatery vouchers, and special recognition certificates from local and government officials.
The evening began with remarks from District leadership, as Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor shared his appreciation for the contributions of our classified employees. Members of the Board of Trustees were also in attendance and joined in presenting the Classified Employee of the Year award. Personnel Commissioners - Chairperson Ray McMullen, Vice Chairperson Michael Cobarrubias, and Member Gayle Pacheco - presented the engraved award to each recipient.
Because every story matters, guests viewed a special video spotlighting each recipient in action, offering a meaningful glimpse into their journeys and the lasting impact they make at their respective school/work site.
At the end of the ceremony, the anticipated announcement of the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year was made. John Rodriguez from Diamond Bar High School was named as our 2025 Classified Employee of the Year. PC Chairperson Ray McMullen extended his appreciation for Classified Staff saying, “We are all so blessed to have the fine people we have working in the district. I can truly appreciate the kinds of service and the dedication the classified staff has given to the district over the years.”
Congratulations to the following 2025 Cornerstone Award Recipients:
- January – Nicholas Smith, Maintenance Worker II, Maintenance, Operations, Transportation, & Facilities
- February – Hsiu-Feng "Tina" Lee, Instructional Aide II - Bilingual/Bicultural, South Pointe Middle School
- March – John Rodriguez, Campus Security Officer, Diamond Bar High School (2025 Classified Employee of the Year)
- April – Dustin Kim, Morning and Noon Aide, Maple Hill Elementary School
- May – Natalie Johnson, Office Assistant, Quail Summit Elementary School
- June – Alice Zaientz, Instructional Materials Center Technician, Educational Services
- July – Nelson Hou, Network Engineer, Technology
- August – Deanna Rizzo, Health Clerk, Evergreen Elementary School
- September – Corinne Liao, Instructional Aide II - Bilingual/Bicultural, Suzanne Middle School
- October – Roxana Arce, Instructional Aide III - Special Education, HARTT Center/RHA
- November – Joaquin Guzman, Mechanic II, Transportation
- December – Jacobo "JC" Corona, Custodian II, Collegewood Elementary School
About Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) schools have earned recognition for academic excellence from both the California State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Many WVUSD schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools. Several WVUSD schools were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025/2026 Best School Rankings. To learn more about WVUSD, please visit WVUSD.org. Connect with WVUSD on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Contact
Michelle Figueroa, Public Information Specialist
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204