NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
September 9, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley Elementary Students Awarded New Bikes
DIAMOND BAR, CA—One student from each of the nine Walnut Valley elementary schools were honored on September 8. The select group of youngsters had no idea they’d also be receiving brand new bikes during the presentation held at Maple Hill Elementary.
“The 45-member Leadership Team organized the event to pay tribute to nine of the most outstanding students in the entire District,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
Each elementary principal, joined by team members, introduced their student and presented a certificate of special recognition. Students were heralded for their hard work, determination, kindness, and making a difference on their campuses.
“They have accomplished a great deal in their educational career already,” Dr. Taylor added.
The honorees are Isabella Acuña – Castle Rock, Melanie Mendietta - Collegewood, Isaac Ochoa - C.J. Morris, Chris Gonzalez – Evergreen, Delia Paula Jaramillo - Maple Hill, Juliet Lugo - Quail Summit, Everhett Cohen – Vejar, Randolph Clark - Walnut Elementary, and Natalie Mora-Monarrez – Westhoff.
“We were thinking, you’re the nine best students in the whole district! What could we do to show how special we really think you are?” Superintendent Dr. Taylor.
“So we called our Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and asked if they would support the project,” he added.
At that signal, nine brand new pink and red bicycles were wheeled into the multi-purpose room for the surprised students surrounded by their families.
The children beamed when they saw the bikes!
Everhett Cohen gave the “thumbs up” signal as he climbed onto his new bike.
“I am so excited!” said Quail Summit’s Juliet while admiring the pink-streamers and flowered handlebars. The children also received matching safety helmets.
“We are so happy to work as a team in support of our schools, teachers, and our kids,” said Foundation President Cecilia Yeh.
During the summer, members of the Leadership Team, comprised of school and district administrators, assembled the bikes purchased by the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation.
“Watching our Leadership group work in teams to build bikes for a selected student at each elementary school was so heartwarming. Knowing that we were going to honor students for their academic accomplishments, along with a gift of a bike, reaffirmed our district’s KIDS FIRST philosophy. I am so proud to have been a part of this event!” said Jackie Brown, director of educational programs.
“Building the bike was an enjoyable experience that promoted a lot of team building. It was great seeing the reaction of the students when they received the new bikes,” added John Terry, assistant principal from Diamond Bar High School.
The elementary principals lauded their students during the recognition.
“Delia’s very passionate about learning and most importantly she never gives up,” said Maple Hill Principal Nancy Stingley.
“Melanie truly exemplifies what it means to live the life a student with the 4 R’s: Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, and Ready to Learn. She brings her homework everyday, she’s very respectful to her classmates, she shows responsibility by helping others, and does her very best,” said Collegewood Principal Joan Perez.
“Chris works hard, always does his best, always helps others, and is really a friend to everybody. He’s a model for other students,” said Principal Caroline Wills.
“We want to celebrate Isabella for her perseverance and determination,” said Castle Rock Principal Dr. Resma Chamadia.
“Juliet has a great work ethic and a great support system at home,” said Quail Summit Principal Jeanette Koh.
“Every day, Everhett shows our school values – be safe, be respectful, and be responsible, said Vejar Principal Jennifer De Anda. “He is such a kind student, he is very helpful to others, and he always tries his very best. We are very proud of him.”
“Randolph was ready to learn when he began school. He glows, he blossomed, he always pays attention, and is always focused,” said Principal Janet Green.
“Isaac truly has a heart for everyone. He’s friendly, he’s kind, and he definitely does his best in the classroom. He exemplifies the enthusiasm for learning as well as the appreciation for his fellow students. We consider him an I.B. wonderful student,” said Principal Donna Hunter.
“Natalie has made so much progress in the classroom. She’s always eager to help out in class as well as on the playground. Natalie is a go-to girl!” said Westhoff Principal Denise Rendon.
Shown:
Members of the WVUSD Leadership Team wheeled out new bicycles as a surprise for nine elementary students.
Nine Walnut Valley elementary students were honored during a ceremony on September 8 and were surprised when they received brand new bikes!
WVUSD elementary students received new bikes courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation. Shown with members President Cecilia Yeh, Rhonda Melton, Ron Everett, and Cindy Ruiz.
Collegewood student Melanie Mendietta was surprised with a beautiful new bicycle courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation on September 8.
Bike builders David Hong –Instructional Dean at Diamond Bar HS, Andrea Deligio-Instructional Dean at Walnut HS, Jeanette Koh – Principal at Quail Summit, and Jose Annicchiarico-Administrative Director of Educational Services, presented a new bike to student Juliet Lugo.
WVUSD Leadership Team members Jeanette Ullrich - Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Denise Rendon – Principal at Westhoff Elementary, and John Terry – Assistant Principal at Diamond Bar High School presented a new bike to Natalie Mora-Monarrez, shown with family members.
Walnut Valley Educational Foundation Board Member Rhonda Melton and Walnut Elementary student Randolph Clark check out the cool new bike.
Maple Hill student Delia Paula Jaramillo received a new bike during a ceremony held on September 8, The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and WVUSD Leadership Team partnered for the recognition project.