NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
May 8, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Parents and education partners shine at Night of Stars gala
WALNUT, CA-- A stellar group of Walnut Valley parent volunteers and community partners were honored during the Night of the Stars gala held May 7 at the Diamond Bar Center.
The inaugural event, sponsored by the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, lauded exemplary parents, education and service partners, and distinguished alumnus.
Distinguished parent honorees are Sam and Nancy Castorena – Castle Rock Elementary, Amy Noiboonsook – C.J. Morris Elementary, Christina Kondo and Lily Eibert – Collegewood Elementary, Kathleen Strudwick – Evergreen Elementary, Anna Amezcua - Quail Summit Elementary, Steve Hernandez – Maple Hill Elementary, Margaret Bersch – Vejar Elementary, Ted and Vickie Ohashi – Walnut Elementary, David Morales – Westhoff Elementary, Yara Sands – Chaparral Middle School, Monica McQuilkin – South Pointe Middle School, Cecilia Yeh – Suzanne Middle School, Rachel Chang – Diamond Bar High, and Diane Takahashi – Walnut High.
“I’m so thankful that the foundation found this opportunity to publicly thank you for all that you do,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said.
“It takes a village of dedicated parent volunteers and partners in education who generously donate their time and talents with our schools,” said Board Member Cindy Ruiz.
“Even if you can’t chair a fundraiser, every little bit counts and is appreciated!” added C.J. Morris honoree Amy Noiboonsook.
Noiboonsook is grateful to be able to have the opportunity to contribute to her community.
“My boys know that I’m always willing to help and I see that same trait developing in them.”
“This award is a tremendous honor that I will treasure forever,” exclaimed South Pointe parent Monica McQuilkin, who is passionate about serving Walnut Valley students, teachers, and staff members. “My goal is to engage our families and communities because together we can accomplish the impossible!”
Walnut High 2014 graduate Adanna Duru, an “American Idol” top 10 finalist, was named the Distinguished Alumni Honoree.
Distinguished Education Partner awards were presented to Steve Acciani, Diamond Bar High instrumental music director, and Schools First Federal Credit Union.
Rotary Club of Walnut Valley received the Distinguished Service Partner award and Penske
Mercedes-Benz of West Covina was honored with the Distinguished Business Partner award.
The celebration of education also featured standout Walnut High senior Jeffery Huang and alumni parents, Royal Morris and Sam Wright, who praised the school district’s exceptional teachers and staff members, academic programs, and parent support.
‘Walnut Valley is a fantastic school district.” Wright said. “I’m proud every time I can help this district.”
Shown:
Westhoff Elementary parent David Morales was honored at the WVEF Night of the Stars gala. Shown with Bob Pacheco and Eileen Ansari.
WVEF board member Bob Pacheco presents Chaparral parent volunteer Yara Sands with an award.
Collegewood’s dynamic duo, parents Christina Kondo and Lily Eibert, were honored at the Night of Stars gala. (6541)
Honoree Rachel Chang, Diamond Bar High Mag 7 parent organization president, receives award from Bob Pacheco.
Castle Rock parents Sam and Nancy Castorena take to the stage during the Night of Stars awards.
Suzanne Middle School parent volunteer Cecilia Yee received award from WVEF board members Bob Pacheco and Eileen Ansari. (6672)