January 18, 2019
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA--The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) paid tribute to a dozen outstanding employees during the 20th Annual Cornerstone Awards held January 10 at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.
Congratulations to the following 2018 honorees: Kelly Okamoto, Instructional Aide II Special Education – C.J. Morris Elementary; Connie Sanchez, Athletic Equipment Attendant -Walnut High School; Alfredo Ortiz, Morning Playground Supervisor – Suzanne Middle School; Victoria Saucedo, Instructional Aide III Special Education– Evergreen Elementary; Bill King, Technology Support Specialist – Technology; Abraham Saura, Custodian I-Vejar Elementary; Harrison Lindsey, Campus Security Officer– Diamond Bar High School; David Gomez, Custodian I – Westhoff Elementary; Mary Lou Vargas, Custodian II – Quail Summit Elementary; Brenda Hall-Searcy, Morning Playground Supervisor –C.J. Morris Elementary; Sandy O’Dell, Custodian I – Walnut Elementary; and Kelby Riley, Child Care Site (Teen Scene) Supervisor – Chaparral Middle School.
“When we talk to our teachers, administrators, parents, and community members, they all agree that our classified employees are the backbone of the organization and foundation of what we do,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
“There are over 700 classified employees in Walnut Valley and tonight’s 12 honorees represent the cream of the crop. Thank you for all that 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.
Kelby Riley was named the 2018 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the event.
“I can’t believe it!” Kelby exclaimed while accepting the award from Personnel Commissioners Cecilia Yeh and Ray McMullen.
He quickly invited all the Cornerstone honorees to come up and share his stage.
“To be here among all of tonight’s winners is such an honor,” Kelby said after being congratulated by all the recipients.
“They’re all great and all deserve this award.”
Kelby has been a valued Walnut Valley team member since 1998 and joined the staff at Chaparral six years ago.
“Kelby is a champion for Teen Scene and puts his students first by continually refining the scope of the program based on feedback from parents and students,” said nominator Principal Ron Thibodeaux.
The annual recognition event was 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 generous support for the Cornerstone Awards: Massage Envy, Benihana Restaurant, Chaffey Federal Credit Union, Schools First Federal Credit Union, BB&T Insurance Services, and Lifetouch Photography.
Shown:
The 2018 Cornerstone Award winners shown with Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Members and Personnel Commission.
Big Night! Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor congratulates the WVUSD 2018 Classified Employee of the Year Kelby Riley.
Board Members Dr. Tony Torng, Cindy Ruiz, Layla Abou-Taleb, and Helen Hall present a special award to Kelby Riley during the Cornerstone Awards Banquet.
Personnel Commissioners Cecilia Yeh, Ray McMullen, and Ron Everett (retired) celebrate the District’s newest Classified Employee of the Year, Kelby Riley.
A Class Act! Chaparral Middle School Teen Scene Supervisor Kelby Riley is named the 2018 Classified Employee of the Year.