NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
October 22, 2013 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley Board Honors Star Students, Community Partners
WALNUT, CA--Each month, the Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognizes students and community members who are instrumental to the success of the schools.
Vejar Elementary School fifth grader Emily Wang was honored as the Super Star Student during the October 16 Board Meeting,
“Emily was selected by our staff members for her winning attitude. She is a very special student and we admire her character,” said Principal Jennifer De Anda.
“Emily is kind, patient, a hard worker and a good friend to all. Additionally, Emily is learning to speak English and is a math wizard! She can be seen translating for students in her math class each day,” De Anda added.
Vejar super star volunteer David Padilla was recognized with the Partner in Education Award.
“Mr. Padilla began helping in his son’s kindergarten class and has kept on volunteering for the past several years. He nurtures the Transitional Kindergarten children in Mrs. Carter’s class - he talks to them, he helps them learn and build things,” she said.
In the invention unit, Mr, Padilla helps the students dismantle old toasters and computers.
“The kids are so in awe of what’s inside”, De Anda said. ‘Grandpa’ Padilla is a one-to-one reading volunteer and track coach at the Walnut school. ‘
“He works with the track club after school and the weekends and took the kids to the Mt. SAC Relays. He’s their biggest fan!” De Anda added.
Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Samantha Blazek was recognized as a Super Star Student.
Principal Ron Thibodeaux said Samantha represents the “well rounded” child concept encouraged and supported at the school.
“We want our students to be involved in many things, so that when they leave us they have a wealth of experiences they can take to the next level,” he said.
“In addition to being solid Academically, Samantha participates in Athletics (football and track), and the Arts (trombone player in the 8th grade wind ensemble). She is also a person of outstanding character, always respectful and a good friend,” he described about the standout student.
Chaparral parent and Community Club member Anju Jain was honored with the Partner in Education Award.
“Without our parent volunteers we couldn’t do the things we do. One of our best role models is Anju Jain,” Principal Thibodeaux said.
At the beginning of the year, the school librarian left for a full time position at a local college.
“It seemed like we would not be able to host our Annual Book Fair which brings in thousands of dollars to update our Library with current releases,” said Thibodeaux.
“Anju stepped up to head a group of volunteers that ran the Book Fair for us – and together they raised over $3,000 for our Library!” he said.
In addition to all the planning, that’s two solid weeks of coming in every morning, setting up the Book Fair, being there the entire day to run the event and counting the money with other volunteers she recruited, he explained during the Board Meeting.
“She is a classy lady who gave of herself for the benefit of all of our students,” Thibodeaux said.
Shown:
Vejar Elementary 5th grader Emily Wang was honored as a Super Star Student during the October 16 Board Meeting. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.
Vejar Super Star Student Emily Wang celebrated with her family members and Vejar Principal Jennifer De Anda, Kay Hoard, Li Nai Chang and Board President Helen Hall.
Vejar Elementary parent volunteer David Padilla was recognized with the Community Partner Award. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.
David Padilla was honored with the Vejar Community Partner Award. Shown with his wife, Principal Jennifer DeAnda, Irene Carter and Board President Helen Hall.
Chaparral 8th grader Samantha Blazek received the Super Star Student Award on October 16 from Board President Helen Hall.
Chaparral Super Star Student Samantha Blazek with her family members, Principal Ron Thibodeaux and Board President Helen Hall.
Chaparral parent Anju Jain received the Community Partner Award. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.
Chaparral Community Partner honoree Anju Jain with her daughters, Principal Ron Thibodeaux and Board President Helen Hall.