FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
January 22, 2016 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley trustees honor students, community members for making a difference
WALNUT, CA—During the January 20 regular meeting, the Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees paid tribute to star students and valued volunteers who are making a difference in schools.
CJ Morris Elementary 4th grader Alejandra Urrieta won the 2015 “Holidays Around the World” greeting card contest. The talented young artist was recognized with a certificate and framed copy of her entry by Board President Helen Hall. She also received a family gift pack to Chick fil-A restaurant courtesy of owners Bob and Michelle Sun.
“Alejandra is a wonderful young lady. She always has a smile on her face, is kind to others, works hard, and is a really good artist!” said Principal Shehzad Bhojani.
Collegewood Elementary 2nd grader Coben Swanson received the Super Star Student Award. Coben has been fighting cancer since November,
“He really exemplifies bravery and has inspired our entire Collegewood community,” said Principal Joan Perez.
The school, now known as “Team Coben”, created a video get well message where students, staff, and parents shared special sentiments, words of encouragement, and even a dance from his classmates.
“Coben is my hero,” sang teacher Elvonne Vance during the presentation.
Coben also loves “Star Wars” and actor Mark Hamel recently visited him in the hospital.
“He is battling leukemia like a Jedi,” Perez added.
Parent volunteers Denis and Terry Tamashiro were honored as Collegewood Elementary Partners in Education.
“Collegewood’s Partners in Education wrap their arms around our school community to help us serve our students and prepare them for what’s next in life. Mr. and Mrs. Tamashiro have served for over 10 years and together have provided a level of service leadership that is truly commendable,” said Perez.
The active Community Club members have helped chair numerous events including staff appreciation luncheons, carnivals, after-school snack sales, and Night of Giving. For the past several years, they have designed and taken photos for the school yearbook.
Quail Summit Elementary 2nd grader Jonathan Chen was recognized with the Super Star Student Award.
An avid chess player and member of the US Chess Federation, for the past two years Jonathan competed in the National K-12 Championship held in Orlando, Florida. Both years he took 1st place in his grade level division and returned to school with a huge trophy and a heartfelt message for his principal.
“He said, “Look, I what won for Quail Summit!” Principal Jeanette Koh shared.
Koh said she was impressed with his love and passion for the game, which he wants to share with schoolmates. Soon Jonathan, with the help of his parents, will be starting a chess team.
“Now when he goes on these competitions, he will have a Quail Summit team!” Koh added.
Longtime volunteers Jack and Wanda Tanaka were lauded as Partners in Education for Quail Summit.
“They exemplify serving from their heart,” Principal Koh shared.
“They’ve given so much to our staff – we think we are their favorite school!” Koh said as teachers cheered in the audience.
Each year, the Tanakas supervise the set up of a haunted mansion for the school carnival with 30-50 middle and high school Leo Club volunteers.
“They come for the entire week! On the night of the carnival stay after 10 p.m., until the last piece of trash is picked up!”
Last year, Jack didn’t hesitate stepping in as a last minute speaker for the fifth grade promotion ceremony.
“We are so honored and privileged to have this relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka,” said Koh.
“Giving without the expectation of something in return is the true definition of kindness. Jack and Wanda’s kindness and giving to the community is priceless,” said Board President Helen Hall.
Ron Hockwalt Academies senior Theotis “TJ” Davis received the school’s Super Star Student Award.
“TJ is a model student,” said teacher Frank De Anda. “This young man is a beacon of hope for all students on our campus and I’m really proud to be his teacher.”
De Anda’s leadership students launched a HOPE program at the beginning of the school year. HOPE stands for heart, optimism, personal responsibility, and excellence.
“Every month we host an assembly that talks about HOPE and brings it personally to our students,” said grade level coordinator Sue McCracken.
“For this last one, TJ put together a HOPE rap for our students – it was awesome!”
“TJ has embraced the concept of choice. He chooses to be a good student and most importantly he chooses to focus all his efforts on the present and keeps working to achieve his goals. He chooses to be hopeful in the face of setbacks and adversity. He chooses success!” said his alternative high school advisor.
The Sanlo Homestay Foundation was honored as the Ron Hockwalt Academies Partner in Education. The award was presented to chairman Ernie Quejado and co-chair Bella Cristobal.
The Foundation recently made generous $1,000 donation to the school’s HOPE program and an additional donation to the Walnut Valley Unified School District.
“We can’t say how much we appreciate you and how much it’s done for the kids,” said De Anda.
Shown:
Board President Helen Hall honors CJ Morris Elementary 4th grader Alejandra Urrieta as the winner of the 2015 “Holidays Around the World” card contest. Also shown with Principal Shehzad Bhojani, teacher Cynthia Riggio, and family.
Collegewood Elementary 2nd grader Coben Swanson received the Super Star Student Award on January 20. Teacher Elvonne Vance, with Principal Joan Person, is shown receiving the award from Board President Helen Hall.
Collegewood Elementary parent volunteers Denis and Terry Tamashiro were honored as Partners in Education. Shown with Principal Joan Perez and Board President Helen Hall.
Quail Summit Elementary 2nd grader Jonathan Chen was recognized with the Super Star Student Award. Shown with Principal Jeanette Koh and Board President Helen Hall.
The WVUSD Board honored volunteers Jack and Wanda Tanaka as Partners in Education for Quail Summit on January 20.
Shown with teachers, Principal Jeanette Koh, and Board President Helen Hall.
Board President Helen Hall awarded Ron Hockwalt Academies senior TJ Davis the school’s Super Star Student Award on January 20.
Also shown with grade level coordinator Sue McCracken and teacher Frank De Anda.
Board President Helen Hall recognizes the Sanlo Homestay Foundation as Ron Hockwalt Academies Partner in Education. Shown with Ernie Quejado and Bella Cristobal.
Also shown with grade level coordinator Sue McCracken and teacher Frank De Anda.