May 14, 2026
DIAMOND BAR - On May 6, Walnut Valley USD rolled out the red carpet during the 2025-2026 Retirement Recognition Ceremony, held at Diamond Bar High School. The event recognized 51 incredible retirees, including teachers, classified staff, and administrators who have left a lasting legacy across the district.
Aligned with this year’s district theme, “The Story Wins,” WVUSD celebrated the incredible stories that this year’s retirees helped write. These are stories of dedication, service, and care that have shaped countless students, colleagues, and school communities.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor expressed his gratitude to the retirees for their many years of dedicated service saying, “I just want to thank you and tell you how honored I am to celebrate you, our retirees. It does not come without mixed emotions. Just thinking about how many students have been positively impacted by you - it’s impossible to replace you.” Board Vice President Cindy Ruiz also recognized the retirees for the difference they have made in the lives of countless students and within the entire community.
Dr. Diane Perez, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and Dr. Robby Jung, Director of Human Resources, called each retiree to the stage, naming their title, site, and number of years of service. Members of the Board of Trustees were in attendance, greeting retirees with handshakes and posing for a photo with each one as they crossed the stage and their names were announced. Each retiree received a bag with tokens of appreciation as well as certificates from local officials.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 retirees:
Steven Acciani
Linda Adrid
Lori Allen
Martha Arellano
Seema Bagai
Gloria Banuelos
Michelle Boots
Debra Brady
Debra Brown
Irene Carter
Monica Cazares
Kathleen Frith
Angela Garay
Judith Hellmold
David Hernandez
Christina Herrera
Robert Herrera
David Hong
Donna Ibarra
Manette Idris
Michael James
Teresa Jelowicki
Renee Juarez-Medina
Sally Kim
Lisa Krueger
Sun Lee
Maria Llamas
Gabriella Manganiello
Shirley Markel
Kina Mattoon
Alexander Nigian
Deborah Palmer
Hyeyon Park
Nancy Reyes
Kristen Romaine
Concepcion Ramos Sanchez
Jill Santana
Andrew Schultz
Mona Seif
Wendy Simpson
Jennifer Sorbara
Charlotte Sorensen
Ramona Talampas
Susan Valenzuela
Paul Vibal
Barbara West
Kendra Wilson
Diane Winters
Yanti Wong
Shelly Yamashiro
Sara Yi
While we celebrate all they have accomplished during their time at WVUSD, we also look ahead, because “Adventure Awaits”, and their next chapter is filled with new opportunities and well-deserved moments of joy.
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
Photos Shown:
- Retirees cheer and celebrate during the Retirement Recognition event.
- Superintendent Dr. Taylor and the Board of Trustees pose together for a group photo at the event.
- The Board of Trustees pose for a photo with DBHS retiree Steve Acciani and Tricia Acciani.
- Four WVUSD retirees smile in front of an “Adventure Awaits” photo wall.
- Members of the Childcare team pose together in celebration of their three retirees.
- Dr. Matt Brummett poses for a photo with retirees Christina and Robert Herrera.