NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
March 20, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Star Students and Community Partners Honored
WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees honored Super Star Students and Partners in Education from Westhoff Elementary and Suzanne Middle School during the March 19 meeting.
Bhalpriya Sandhu was selected as Westhoff’s Super Star Student.
“Bhalpriya manages to be a standout student in a school filled with excellent students,” Principal Denise Rendon shared. The 5th grader serves as a Student Council Member and is an all-around star student who balances club soccer activities with academics.
“Bhalpriya demonstrates strong leadership skills, comes to school every day with a smile and ready to learn. She goes above and beyond to complete her assignments with pride and excellence,” Rendon said.
Bhalpriya also demonstrates great character.
“She models and exemplifies kindness, compassion, empathy, perseverance, and a great tolerance for others who are different. She is definitely a future leader and one who will impact the world positively. You can be sure we will hear much more about Bhalpriya in the years to come!” Rendon said.
Westhoff Elementary recognized Christina Cerioni and Jennifer Chisholm as recipients of the Partner in Education Award.
“Parents and partners in education, like Christina Cerioni, make our school a more fun and enriching environment for our students to learn. We appreciate her selfless gift of time and her tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm,” said Principal Rendon.
Christina is an exemplary model of a parent partner. She began volunteering at the school after enrolling her daughter in kindergarten.
“Mrs. Cerioni instantly became an essential part of our school’s day-to-day experience,” Rendon added.
In a very short time, she became involved in reading groups, book bags, yearbook production, substitute noon-aide, fieldtrips, classroom parent and more. She also provided the first Jewish table at the school’s cultural fair. At the end of Christina’s first year at the school, she was voted the Community Club 1st Vice President.
“She has a wonderful way of bringing people together to help our school. Westhoff appreciates Christina’s “can-do” attitude and ability to bring new and exciting ideas into our school events.” Rendon said.
Jennifer Chisholm is a very special Partner in Education. She spent a total of 33 years in the Walnut Valley Unified School District as a GATE resource teacher at the District Office and 2nd grade teacher at Westhoff Elementary. She retired from teaching in 2009, but has continued working with Walnut Valley students, along with numerous church and community activities.
“She sets aside time to work with our Westhoff students. For the past four years, Mrs. Chisholm has volunteered for the after-school Out of the Box enrichment program for GATE students in 4th and 5th grades. She meets each week to provide enrichment activities these scholar students. Jennifer has given Westhoff the incredible gift of time and we are profoundly grateful for her service,” Rendon said. Mrs. Chisholm was unable to attend the Board Meeting because she was volunteering at her church teaching catechism.
“She is a wonderful partner at Westhoff,” Rendon added.
Suzanne Middle School 8th grader Christopher Wong was honored with the Super Star Student Award. He has been an outstanding student during his three years at Suzanne Middle School. Christopher has been a straight “A” student for each of his five semesters at Suzanne.
“I have no doubt that he will make it six by the end of this semester. He’s a great kid!” said Principal Les Ojeda.
Christopher recently was awarded the John Hopkins Talent Award. He was honored for his exceptional performance on the college SAT exam he took as a 7th grader. He was among the highest scoring participants in the 2013 academic year. Christopher scored close to 800 points in math and as a result received the Exceptional Talent Award with a certificate for high honors and a medal.
“Christopher is also a wonderful musician performing with our 8th grade Suzanne Middle School Orchestra. Congratulations Christopher!” Principal Ojeda said.
Cecilia Yeh was recognized with the Partner in Education Award.
“Cecilia has been a wonderful Community Club President at Suzanne Middle School this year. And she has done an outstanding job,” said Principal Ojeda.
Cecilia puts in endless hours of community service and inspires and motivates the Community Club to support staff and students.
“Suzanne Middle School is grateful for the time and effort that you have spent in supporting our school. Community Club raised over $69,000 that has helped provide technology, teacher intervention curriculum, lunch tables, and a variety of other important resources to help our students become successful. Thank you for making our school a better place for our students,” Ojeda said.
Cecilia also serves as President of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation.
Shown:
The Walnut Valley Unified School District honored Bhalpriya Sandhu as Westhoff Elementary School’s Super Star Student. Shown with Principal Denise Rendon and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Westhoff Elementary Super Star Student Bhalpriya Sandu with her family, Principal Denise Rendon and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Westhoff parent Christina Cerioni was honored with the Partner in Education Award on March 19. Shown with Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Parent Christina Cerioni was named the Westhoff Elementary Partner in Education during the March 19 Board meeting. Shown with Principal Denise Rendon and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Parent Christina Cerioni was named the Westhoff Elementary Partner in Education during the March 19 Board meeting. Shown with family members, Principal Denise Rendon and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Suzanne Middle School 8th grader Christopher Wong was honored as a Super Star Student on March 19. Shown with Principal Les Ojeda and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Suzanne Middle School 8th grader Christopher Wong was honored as a Super Star Student on March 19. Shown with family members, Principal Les Ojeda and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Suzanne Middle School parent Cecilia Yee was recognized with the Partner in Education Award on March 19. Shown with Principal Les Ojeda and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Suzanne Middle School parent Cecilia Yee was recognized with the Partner in Education Award on March 19. Shown with family members, Principal Les Ojeda and Board President Cindy Ruiz.