Educational Services
October 17, 2024
14 Teachers Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
Walnut Valley Unified School District Names
Christina Phillips District Teacher of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WALNUT, CA —The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) recognized 14 of its teachers for excellence in their field at the 27th annual Salute to Teachers event at the Walnut High School Performing Arts Center on October 16.
WVUSD leadership members honored the following elementary school teachers for their exemplary performance during the 2023-2024 school year: Michelle Yim from C.J. Morris; Jenny Lui from Castle Rock; Christopher Ko from Collegewood; Kathy Riddle from Evergreen; Ashley League from Maple Hill; Christina Phillips from Quail Summit; Jill Goodrich from Vejar; Gloria Banuelos from Walnut; and Rachael Rios from Westhoff. Enoch Choi from Chaparral Middle School, Megan Kojder from South Pointe Middle School and Kristina Natividad from Suzanne Middle School received the award. Jazmine Silver and Tina Yu-Wong were honored from Diamond Bar High School and Walnut High School, respectively.
“These teachers have a dedication and passion that has transformed the lives of countless students,” said WVUSD Superintendent Robert P. Taylor, EdD. “This event allows us to recognize the profound impact they have on our communities. We thank them for their tireless efforts, endless patience, and belief in the potential of every child.”
The ceremony wrapped up with a recognition of third-grade teacher Christina Phillips who was named the District Teacher of the Year. She said, “This award isn’t wasted on me. I know the quality of the Walnut Valley Unified School District teachers. They’re also making a difference in the lives of students and that’s what matters.”
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Diane Perez, EdD, and Chief Operating Officer, Matt Witmer, EdD, hosted the event. The Walnut High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Andrew Perez, performed. The teachers’ families, local dignitaries, and community leaders attended the reception.
All honorees received an engraved marble apple award donated by the Walnut Valley Education Foundation. They were also given other gifts, including a rolling cart filled with gift cards, supplies, and other donations from generous donors: Massage Envy in Diamond Bar, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Chaffey Federal Credit Union, McGriff Insurance, Complete Business Solutions, Walnut Valley Administrators’ Association, Farmer Boys in Walnut, Columbia Sportswear, and School Portraits by Adams Photography.
Representatives from the offices of the following elected officials presented each teacher with certificates of recognition: Senator Josh Newman, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Senator Bob Archuleta, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, and Assemblymember Lisa Calderon.
About Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD)
WVUSD schools have been recognized for their exemplary academic achievements by both the California State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Numerous sites are National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools. To learn more about WVUSD’s distinguished schools, please visit WVUSD.org.
Captions:
WVUSD Board of Trustees and WVUSD Superintendent with the 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year and District Teacher of the Year at the October 16, 2023-2024 Salute to Teachers event in Walnut, Calif. (Photo/Alicia Romero)
District Teacher of the Year Christina Phillips, third-grade teacher from Quail Summit Elementary School. (Photo/ School Portraits by Adams Photography)
WVUSD leadership and Christina Phillips (center) at the Los Angeles County Office of Education Teachers of the Year 2024 recognition. (WVUSD Photo/Alicia Romero)
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Contact:
Alicia Romero
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204