Dr. Cesar Larriva received the Partner in Education Award. Shown with Evergreen Elementary Principal Carolyn Wills, Board President Cindy Ruiz, and Teachers Lori Huckler, Linda Freedman, Laura O’Donnell from Collegewood Elementary, and Vicky Silcock from Suzanne Middle School.
Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized outstanding students and a community member during the May 21 meeting.
“Evergreen is pleased to recognize these students and community partner who exemplify our STEAM –Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Programs,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.
First grader Ianna Lin was honored as a Super Star Student. Ianna is the youngest member of a California state champion Odyssey of the Mind team that has advanced to the World Finals. The team successfully completed the Stackable Structure challenge by building a balsa wood tower that held 548 pounds during the State Finals. She also competed in an event at Iowa State University May 28 to June 1.
Evergreen Elementary first grader Victoria Cho was also recognized as a Super Star Student. She received a $100 award as her prize and generosity donated all of her winnings to her school.
Dr. Cesar Larriva, a Cal Poly Pomona professor and the Director of the School Robotics Initiative received the Partner in Education Award. “He has been the driving force behind many fabulous programs in several Walnut Valley schools.” Wills said.
Several years ago, Dr. Larriva and former Principal Dr. Susan Brown launched the Professional Development School and Robotics Program at Collegewood Elementary. Robotics programs have now grown to include Suzanne Middle School and Evergreen Elementary.
Walnut Elementary 5th Grader, James Wu, received a certificate of special recognition during the meeting.
James won 3rd Place in the 2014 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest. Over 600 posters from over 60 elementary schools from around the country were entered in the competition. “I hope this drawing brings awareness to missing children so they can be reunited with their families,” James said on his Bring Our Missing Children Home entry.
He received a leather-bound certificate from the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigative Services.
2014 Student Representatives Alisa Nguyen-Le from Diamond Bar High and Ifeoma Ike from Walnut High were recognized during the meeting.
“They have been so valuable to our team and added such great information at our Board Meetings,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
“We truly enjoy our Student Representatives coming and sharing the great things going on within the high schools. We thank you for your time and dedication,” said Board President Cindy Ruiz. The representatives were also honored during 2014 Awards Night presentations.
