NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
September 19, 2013 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley Board Lauds Star Students and Community Partners
WALNUT, CA--The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized star students and partners in education during the September 18 meeting. Each outstanding recipient was presented with a certificate of special recognition from Board President Helen Hall.
Srijani Krishnan was named the 2013-2014 Super Star student from Maple Hill Elementary School.
“We are proud to recognize Srijani tonight. She is a 5th grade student, but her journey started in 4th grade. This is a very special young lady,” Principal Nancy Stingley said. Last year, Srijani applied for a grant from Disney’s Friends for Change program. She was awarded a $1,000 for the passionate grant she wrote to provide awareness to students at Maple Hill and in the Diamond Bar community. Disney partner Youth Service of America funds the national initiative program.
Srijani has launched an anti-bullying club to give kids a voice.
“Through her Take a Break and Break Free Club, Srijani is providing an additional forum where students can speak up and speak out against bullying,” Stingley explained. “Our staff admires her initiative and her passion for this cause,” she said.
“I think what you’ve done has changed the school and I know you have a bright future ahead of you,” Board President Helen Hall said.
Quail Summit Elementary Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo introduced Super Star students Jillian Swartout and Lukas Liebe.
“Sometimes the best way to do things is through pictures,” she said. The “Amazing Jillian” and “Super Hero Luke” video tributes celebrated the star students with their friends, in class and on the playground.
“These amazing 5th grade kids have demonstrated perseverance, courage and are wonderfully kind,” she said.
Sylvan Learning Center in Diamond Bar received the Partner in Education Award from Quail Summit and Maple Hill Elementary. The Diamond Bar tutoring center has been a longtime partner with both schools.
“Sylvan has been an amazing help to Quail Summit,” said Principal Hobbs.
“When it was our opportunity to share and celebrate those who have supported us - Sylvan was the first to come to mind. They show up, they support us when we have needs and they provide for us,” she said.
“Sylvan has provided tutoring scholarships, sent volunteers to read in classrooms, participated during Dr. Seuss Read Across America week, provided snacks for staff meetings, cookies for parent educational nights, Kleenex and hand sanitizers for our classrooms, and gift baskets for Community Club functions. They have been a tremendous support to Maple Hill and we are extremely grateful for the partnership,” said Principal Stingley.
Shown:
Maple Hill 5th grader Srijani Krishman was introduced as the school’s Super Star by Principal Nancy Stingley during the September 18 Board Meeting. Also shown: Teacher Marcia Hansen.
Board President Helen Hall presented a certificate of special recognition to Maple Hill Elementary super star Srijani Krishman.
Celebrating Maple Hill’s star student Srijani Krishman. Shown with parents, Anti-Bullying Committee representatives - teacher Marcia Hansen, school counselor Lorena Chavez and Board President Helen Hall.
Quail Summit Elementary Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo introduced star students Jillian Swartout and Lukas Liebe with personalized video tributes.
Fifth grader Jillian Swartout was named a Quail Summit super star student on September 18. Shown with her family, Board President Helen Hall, Quail Summit Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo, staff members Kris Rote, Vicki Robinson, Geri Smith, Christina Phillips and Mary Renner.
Fifth grader Lucas Liebe was recognized as a super star student during the September 18 Board Meeting. Shown with family members, Board President Helen Hall, Quail Summit Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo, staff members Kris Rote, Vicki Robinson, Geri Smith, Christina Phillips and Mary Renner.
Center Director Kulvinder Griffin and Owner Fran Dyer from the Sylvan Learning Center in Diamond Bar were honored with the Partner in Education Award by Maple Hill and Quail Summit Elementary schools.
Shown with Principal Nancy Stingley and Board President Helen Hall.
Shown with Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo and Board President Helen Hall.