NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
March 31, 2011 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Suzanne Teacher Named Earth Month Hero
Wyland Foundation honors top teachers
WALNUT, CA--Suzanne Middle School Teacher Ramona Talampas is one of 30 educators who have earned the Earth Month Heroes Teacher award.
Throughout the month of April, the Wyland Foundation and its environmental education partner, Toyota, will recognize these outstanding teachers in Los Angeles County and Orange County who believe each student can make a difference — and are finding new, innovative ways to share their insights, wisdom and experience for a sustainable, healthy planet.
Ms. Talampas was nominated and is a winner because of her passion teaching her students to change the world. She will receive a $500 cash prize for her classroom and is still in the running to win a $5,000 grand prize to support her environmental education efforts.
She was honored at a special Earth Month Kickoff Event on March 31, by Wyland who is an internationally renowned environmental artist. Recognition of local teachers for their environmental stewardship was held at noon.
The eco-fun friendly event in Redondo Beach included the artist completing the Wyland Wall No. 31 – a 622-foot mural of California Gray Whales, music, environmental educational activities for the entire family, and eco treats from local eateries.
The Wyland Foundation is non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events.
The Wyland Foundation is recognizing teachers who are inspiring their students to become better stewards of our planet. Over $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to Los Angeles and Orange County teachers!
Nominator Shehzad Bhojani, a former Suzanne colleague and current Assistant Principal at Chaparral Middle School. “If You Don’t, Who Will?” is the motto of the Suzanne Conservation Club headed up by Ramona Talampas and a dedicated group of teachers.
“By being engaged in hands-on projects and making a difference on their campus, students are taking ownership and pride of the work they do.” For the past five years as advisor, Ramona has helped hundreds of students internalize this motto as they have progressed into high school and beyond.
“Ramona has worked hard to ensure that the club helps create leaders who share a passion for conservation,” he said.
Shown:
On Stage:
The group of honored teachers posed with the artist Wyland in front of the 622-foot mural of gray whales in Redondo Beach. Teachers were recognized for inspiring students to become better stewards of our planet.
Suzanne Middle School teacher Ramona Talampas (on left) waved as she was introduced as an Earth Month Hero by the Wyland Foundation on March 31.