NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
February 23, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
"Best of the Best"
Walnut Valley Hosts Cornerstone Awards
Mary Harms named 2014 Classified Employee of the Year
WALNUT, CA-- The Walnut Valley Unified School District recognized a dozen outstanding employees during the 16th Annual “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards Gala on February 19 at the Pomona Valley Mining Company..
The Cornerstone Award recognizes exemplary classified (non-teaching) employees who have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” in providing outstanding customer service to the District and community.
Congratulation to the following 2014 Cornerstone Award honorees:
Mary Harms, Office Assistant - Evergreen Elementary; April Lee, Instructional Aide II-Bilingual/Bicultural – Suzanne Middle School; Judy Marinez, Office Assistant– Westhoff Elementary; Barbara Chin, Instructional Aide II Bilingual/Bicultural – Collegewood Elementary; Eric Guzman, Noon Aide – Collegewood Elementary; Sam Sornoso, Director – Maintenance, Operations, Transportation, Facilities; Gene Kennebrew, Lead Grounds Worker– Maintenance Dept.; Li Nai Chang, Bilingual/Bicultural Language Technician – Educational Services; Sunghee Lee, Bilingual/Bicultural Language Technician –Educational Services; Jon Jackson, Custodian II – Maple Hill Elementary; Robyn Craig, Staff Secretary – Ron Hockwalt Academies; Cindy Franco, Instructional Aide II-Special Education-Collegewood Elementary.
“We really value our classified employees,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “Tonight’s recipients represent the finest for 2014 out of more than 650 across the District.” Honorees were lauded with personalized tributes and gifts.
Mary Harms was named the 2014 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the program.
"I’m so proud to be part of Walnut Valley,” Harms said. “I’ve worked at several school sites and always tell parents that every school is wonderful and so are the people. And I really mean it!”
Mary has been a familiar face in the District for many years as an active parent volunteer. She was hired in 2000 as a PIP/PALS intervention aide and provided vital support to at-risk students She joined the staff at Evergreen in 2012. Mary is the ultimate professional and works tirelessly while always maintaining a positive attitude. Mary helps set the tone for the school and makes everyone feel welcome and cared for. She was nominated for the award by Principal Carolyn Wills.
The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and WVUSD Personnel Commission co-sponsor the annual recognition event. Dr. Michelle Harold, assistant superintendent of human resources and Robert Chang, director of human resources, hosted the ceremony.
“Mary goes above and beyond for kids. I’ve seen her around our schools, in the community, and at church always helping people. She is a really great person and absolutely deserves this award!” said Gayle Pacheco, Personnel Commissioner and WVEF Board Member.
“Classified employees are exemplary representatives of the District. The heart of the Walnut Valley Unified School District are people like Mary,” Board President Larry Redinger stated.
Thanks to the following sponsors: Schools First Federal Credit Union, Sandy Best – BB & T Insurance Services, Massage Envy, and LifeTouch Photography.
Shown:
The 2014 classified Cornerstone Award winners were honored during “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards Gala on February 19. Front Row: April Lee, Cindy Franco, Mary Harms, Robyn Craig, and Barbara Chin. Back Row: Gen Kennebrew, Sam Sornoso, Jon Jackson, and Eric Guzman. Not shown: Judy Marinez, Li Nai Chang, and Sunghee Lee.
Mary Harms was crowned 2014 Classified Employee of the Year. Shown with Board Members Dr. Tony Torng, Helen Hall, Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, and Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Gayle Pacheco.
The January honoree Mary Harms, Evergreen Elementary Office Assistant, waved to family and friends. Harms was named 2014 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the program. Shown with Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Gayle Pacheco.
The 2014 Cornerstone Award winners shown with Board Members Cindy Ruiz, Larry Redinger, Dr. Tony Torng; Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Gayle Pacheco, Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Michelle Harold and Director of Human Resources Robert Chang.
Evergreen Elementary Office Assistant Mary Harms was named the 2014 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the event and received a standing ovation.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor congratulations Mary Harms, the 2014 Classified Employee of the Year.