February 6, 2017
WALNUT, CA- The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) paid tribute to a dozen outstanding employees during the 18th Annual “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards on February 2 at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.
Classified (non-teaching) employees work with dedication and commitment to help students succeed every step of the way. They feed and transport students, nurture their minds, support teachers and administrators, and create a positive learning environment.
The Cornerstone Award recognizes exemplary classified staff members who have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” in providing outstanding customer service to the District and community.
Congratulations to the following 2016 honorees: Juan Cruz, Custodian I - Castle Rock Elementary; Robert Alvarado, Custodian I-Quail Summit Elementary; Gabriela Aguilar, Instructional Aide II Special Education– Suzanne Middle School; Steve Ruvalcaba, Custodian II – Castle Rock Elementary; Luz Chavez, Instructional Aide Special Education – Suzanne Middle School; Jennifer Hsu-Chen, Instructional Aide Bilingual/Bicultural-Suzanne Middle School; Robin Carmon, Program Evaluation Assistant– Educational Services; Mike Bromberg, Carpenter/Electrician– Maintenance & Operations; Debbie Manjarrez, Instructional Aide II Physical Education – Vejar Elementary; Wayne DiMascio, Custodian I –Walnut High; Angel Morgan, Instructional Aide III Special Education – Evergreen Elementary; and Debbie Sinopoli, Attendance Clerk – Walnut High
“The importance of our classified employees can’t be measured,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “We’re so appreciative for all that you do for kids!”
The twelve honorees represent the “best of the best” out of over 650 classified employees in the District, Dr. Taylor added.
The Cornerstone Award winners were lauded with personalized tributes and gifts.
Mike Bromberg was named the 2016 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the event.
“I feel honored to represent Walnut Valley!” he said. “We all work hard every day because we have a passion for the District and want to do our best for kids,”
Three years ago, Mike joined the Maintenance and Operations team as a carpenter and electrician. Prior to that, he taught ROP woodshop classes at Diamond Bar High for a decade. In January, he was named the school’s new operations manager.
Mike shared his talents while helping Vejar Elementary prepare for its 50th anniversary celebration. He spent several weeks preparing the school for the milestone event - going above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect! The talented artist also designed and created a 4-foot tall representation of the school’s anniversary boot logo from wood. He worked on the project for months before presenting the gift to the school.
“Mike truly represents the Cornerstone Award!” said nominator Jennifer De Anda, principal at Vejar Elementary.
The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation (WVEF) and WVUSD Personnel Commission co-sponsored the annual recognition event hosted by Dr. Matthew Witmer, deputy superintendent of human resources and Dr. Sergio Canal, director of human resources.
“You give your heart to the children every day,” said Bob Pacheco, WVEF co-founder and City of Walnut council member.
“It was wonderful hearing all the stories about our classified honorees tonight,” said Board President Dr. Tony Torng. “You are the cornerstone of why our District is so successful!”
A special thanks to the following sponsors who provided support for the Cornerstone Awards: Schools First Federal Credit Union, BB&T Insurance Services, Massage Envy, Benihana Restaurant, and LifeTouch Photography.
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
Shown:
A Class Act! The 2016 classified winners honored for going “above and beyond” on Feb. 2. Front Row: Debbie Manjarrez, Robin Carmon, Debbie Sinopoli, Jennifer Hsu-Chen, Luz Chavez, and Angel Morgan. Back Row: Robert Alvarado, Steve Ruvalcaba, Mike Bromberg, Wayne DiMascio, and Juan Cruz.
The 2016 Cornerstone Award winners shown with Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Members Dr. Tony Torng, Cindy Ruiz, Helen Hall, Larry Redinger, Layla Abou-Taleb, Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett, Cecilia Yeh, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matthew Witmer, and Director Dr. Sergio Canal.
Big Night in Walnut Valley! Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor congratulates Mike Bromberg, the District’s 2016 Classified Employee of the Year.
Board Members Cindy Ruiz, Helen Hall, Layla Abou-Taleb, and Larry Redinger present a special award to Mike Bromberg during the Cornerstone Awards Banquet.
President Dr. Tony Torng presents an award on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Cecilia Yeh celebrate the District’s newest Classified Employee of the Year, Mike Bromberg.
Twelve classified employees were lauded during the “Class Act” Cornerstone Awards held on Feb. 2. Shown: Mike Bromberg receives monthly award from Human Resources Director Dr. Sergio Canal. He was named Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the ceremony.
Twelve classified employees were lauded during the “Class Act” Cornerstone Awards. Shown: Luz Chavez receives monthly award from Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Matthew Witmer.
Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Cecilia Yeh congratulate honoree Robert Alvarado during the “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards on February 2.