February 5, 2018
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA- The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) paid tribute to a dozen outstanding employees during the 19th Annual Cornerstone Awards on February 1 at the Royal Vista Golf Club.
Congratulations to the following 2017 honorees: Kathy Frith, Receptionist - District Office; Tracey Carr, Nutrition Services Worker II-Quail Summit Elementary; Shawn Tampio, Office Assistant – Diamond Bar High; Fan Chau Wong, Instructional Aide-Bilingual/Bicultural – C.J. Morris Elementary; Yadira Gostel, School Administrative Assistant – Vejar Elementary; Daniel C. Chau, Custodian I-Suzanne Middle School; Martha Arellano, Child Welfare and Attendance Clerk– Vejar Elementary; Angel Chiu, Instructional Aide – Bilingual/Bicultural – Quail Summit Elementary; Mike Jara, Library Media Technician – Chaparral Middle School; Robert Herrera, Custodian II –South Pointe Middle School; Joanna Flores, Instructional Aide II -Special Education – Chaparral Middle School; and Linda Cuesta, Instructional Aide II –Special Education – Collegewood Elementary.
“I’m extremely proud of the educational experience our students receive in Walnut Valley. And that would not be possible without classified employees,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
“Tonight’s honorees represent the best of the best and we can’t thank you enough for what you do!” he added. The winners were lauded with personalized tributes and gifts.
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 monthly 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.
Kathy Frith was named the 2017 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the event.
“This is a wonderful surprise! I’m so grateful to work with and be nominated with all of tonight’s honorees,” she said.
“We all do our best to support Walnut Valley students and staff members!”
Kathy has been a valued team member for the past 25 years. Her knowledge about the District, schools, and community events makes her an outstanding resource for everyone.
“Kathy is a shining example of what a Walnut Valley employee represents!” said nominator Jackie Brown, director of educational programs.
The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and WVUSD Personnel Commission co-sponsored the annual recognition event hosted by Dr. Matthew Witmer, deputy superintendent of human resources and Dr. Sergio Canal, administrative director of human resources.
A special thanks to the following sponsors who provided support for the Cornerstone Awards: Massage Envy, Benihana Restaurant, Schools First Federal Credit Union, BB&T Insurance Services, and LifeTouch Photography.
Shown:
A Class Act! The 2017 Cornerstone Award winners were honored for going “above and beyond” on Feb. 1. Front Row: Yadira Gostel, Kathy Frith Tracey Carr, flanked by Angel Chiu’s daughters, Evelyn and Valerie. Back Row: Shawn Tampio, Daniel C. Chau, Robert Herrera, Joanna Flores, Linda Cuesta, and Martha Arellano.
The 2017 Cornerstone Award winners shown with Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Members Larry Redinger, Dr. Tony Torng, Cindy Ruiz, Layla Abou-Taleb, and Helen Hall.
Big Night in Walnut Valley! Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor congratulates Kathy Frith, the District’s 2017 Classified Employee of the Year.
Board Members Dr. Tony Torng, Cindy Ruiz, Helen Hall, Layla Abou-Taleb, and Larry Redinger present a special award to Kathy Frith during the Cornerstone Awards Banquet.
Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Cecilia Yeh and Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor celebrate the District’s newest Classified Employee of the Year, Kathy Frith.
Dr. Matthew Witmer pays special tribute to 2017 Employee of the Year Kathy Frith.