NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
May 27, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Board Honors Outstanding Students and Community Partner
WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized outstanding students and a community member during the May 21 meeting.
“Evergreen is pleased to recognize these students and community partner who exemplify our STEAM –Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Programs,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.
First grader Ianna Lin was honored as a Super Star Student.
“She is a smart, capable and outgoing student,” Wills said. Ianna was chosen as one of three class finalists for Evergreen’s Poetry Festival. She performed the poem My Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog at a school assembly for other students.
Ianna is the youngest member of a California state champion Odyssey of the Mind team that has advanced to the World Finals. The team successfully completed the Stackable Structure challenge by building a balsa wood tower that held 548 pounds during the State Finals. She will be competing May 28 - June 1 at Iowa State University.
Evergreen Elementary first grader Victoria Cho was also recognized as a Super Star Student.
“Victoria is a wonderful, hardworking student and talented musician, said Principal Wills. She won 1st place at the Los Angeles Star Young Musician Competition and then performed her piano piece at Carnegie Hall.
She received a $100 award as her prize and generosity donated all of her winnings to her school!
“Victoria decided to use the prize money to buy jump ropes for all our students, so our Evergreen students are all more fit and jump rope happy due to her generosity and talent,” Wills added.
Dr. Cesar Larriva, a Cal Poly Pomona professor and the Director of the School Robotics Initiative received the Partner in Education Award.
“He has been the driving force behind many fabulous programs in several Walnut Valley schools.” Wills said.
Several years ago, Dr. Larriva and former Principal Dr. Susan Brown launched the Professional Development School and Robotics Program at Collegewood Elementary.
Robotics programs have now grown to include Suzanne Middle School and Evergreen Elementary.
“In the early days, there were grants available to fund these programs, and it is only due to Dr. Larriva’s passion and dedication that these programs have continued even after grant funding ended. His support of Evergreen Robotics, with no funding or training available, was critical to establishing a program for our all our fifth graders,” Wills added.
Robotics is one of the favorite, most memorable, and engaging activities for students.
“His impact on hundreds of our district students is really amazing,” Wills added.
Walnut Elementary 5th grader James Wu received a certificate of special recognition during the meeting.
James won 3rd Place in the 2014 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
Over 600 posters from over 60 elementary schools from around the country were entered in the competition.
Principal Janet Green read the official award announcement.
“James’ poster stood out with his originality, color, creativity, and reflection of the contest theme.”
“I hope this drawing brings awareness to missing children so they can be reunited with their families,” James said on his Bring Our Missing Children Home entry.
He received a leather-bound certificate from the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigative Services.
2014 Student Representatives Alisa Nguyen-Le from Diamond Bar High and Ifeoma Ike from Walnut High were recognized during the meeting.
“They have been so valuable to our team and added such great information at our Board Meetings,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
“We truly enjoy our Student Representatives coming and sharing the great things going on within the high schools. We thank you for your time and dedication,” said Board President Cindy Ruiz. The representatives were also honored during 2014 Awards Night presentations.
Shown:
Evergreen Elementary first grader Ianna Lin was honored as a Super Star Student on May 21. Shown with Principal Carolyn Wills and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Evergreen first grader Victoria Cho was recognized as a Super Star Student. Shown with Board President Cindy Ruiz and Principal Carolyn Wills.
Dr. Cesar Larriva received the Partner in Education Award. Shown with Evergreen Elementary Principal Carolyn Wills, Board President Cindy Ruiz, and Teachers Lori Huckler, Linda Freedman, Laura O’Donnell from Collegewood Elementary, and Vicky Silcock from Suzanne Middle School.
The Board of Trustees honored Walnut Elementary fifth grader James Wu for receiving 3rd Place in the 2014 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest. Shown with Principal Janet Green and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
The Board of Trustees honored Walnut Elementary fifth grader James Wu for receiving 3rd Place in the 2014 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest. Shown with family members, Principal Janet Green and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
The 2014 Student Representatives, Alisa Nguyen-Le from Diamond Bar High and Ifeoma Ike from Walnut High, were recognized for their service during the May 21 meeting. Shown with Board President Cindy Ruiz.