WVUSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, teachers Ron Kim, Elaine Nakasone, Raelene Waddell, Principal Denise Rendon, Director of Educational Programs Jackie Brown, and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Matthew Witmer share the 2014 California Distinguished School banner.
BY KELLI GILE
Walnut – Five award-winning Walnut Valley elementary schools were recognized during the California Distinguished Schools Ceremony on June 5. Evergreen, Westhoff, Maple Hill, Quail Summit, and Vejar received the state’s highest award for 2014.
Evergreen Elementary received an additional state prize for their Exemplary Arts Education Program. Thirteen schools statewide were honored for incorporating Visual and Performing Arts Standards in five areas: Visual Art, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Media Arts.
The Distinguished Schools event included student performances, remarks by State Superintendent, Tom Torlakson, lunch and awards presentations. Each school received an engraved plaque and banner to display on their campus.
The honored schools have all earned the California Distinguished title in previous years: Evergreen in 2010; Westhoff in 2006 and 2010; Maple Hill in 2006; Quail Summit in 1998 and 2006; and Vejar in 1998 and 2010.
This year, 424 schools were named California Distinguished Schools for their innovative approaches to improving academic achievement. Walnut Valley schools were honored among the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura county winners during a regional ceremony held at the Westin LAX in Los Angeles.
