Educational Services
January 16, 2025
WVUSD Board of Trustees Kicks off the Year with Star Student Awards and
Parent Volunteer Recognitions at January Meeting
Students Catherine Liaw, Laksha Samuel, and Meah Poon and Four Community Partners
Recognized for Contributions to WVUSD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WALNUT, CA — Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) Board of Trustees (Board) recognized two outstanding students and four community partners from Castle Rock and Quail Summit elementary schools, respectively, and the winner of the Superintendent’s Holiday Card Contest during the January 15 meeting.
Catherine Liaw was named the Star Student from Castlerock Elementary School in Diamond Bar. Liaw has shown incredible resilience in overcoming significant personal health challenges, including an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain, which caused a brain aneurysm at an early age. She exemplifies the qualities of an IB student, demonstrating balance, kindness, and leadership both inside and outside of school. Despite her quiet demeanor, her words carry weight, inspiring and captivating those around her. As a member of the Castle Rock Leadership Academy, she continually steps outside of her comfort zone, growing as a leader and developing a delightful sense of humor.
“Catherine’s appreciation for staff, kindness to peers and unwavering determination make her a role model for our school community,” Principal Liz Chang, E.D., said. “We are proud to honor her with this well-deserved recognition,” Chang concluded.
Patrice Lopez and Shirin Mahmoud received the Partner in Education distinctions also from Castle Rock E.S.
Patrice Lopez began her journey as a parent volunteer and quickly took on key leadership roles, including serving as Castle Rock Community Club (CRCC) Secretary for three years, School Site Council member for three years, and currently as CRCC Co-President. Throughout it all, she has remained an active room parent and, as of this month, has joined the school’s staff as a noon supervisor.
Shirin Mahmoud joined Castle Rock last year and immediately became a vital part of the school community. She has served as a CRCC member in fundraising, dedicated countless hours to events on campus, and supported classrooms as a room parent. For Mahmoud, Castle Rock feels like a second home, where teachers and parents come together as one family.
Chang added, “Together, Patrice and Shirin, along with the CRCC board, have worked tirelessly to fundraise and equip classrooms with touchscreen ViewSonic boards. Thanks to their efforts, TK-5th grade students now have innovative tools to learn today and lead tomorrow. We are so grateful to have them as partners in education.”
Castlerock E.S. fourth grader Laksha Samuel received a special recognition as the winner of the 2024 Superintendent’s Holiday Card Contest in which fourth and fifth graders from all the WVUSD elementary schools participated. Samuel’s “Happy Holidays” artwork featured a snowman with earmuffs, perfectly capturing the contest Winter Wonderland theme. All WVUSD staff members received the holiday card electronically with a special message from Dr. Taylor. Samuel received a certificate of recognition from the Board of Trustees, a treat from the local Yogurtland in Walnut, and swag from Vans. 4
From Quail Summit Elementary School (Quail Summit, E.S.) in Diamond Bar, Meah Poon received the Star Student distinction. Not only has Meah excelled academically, but she is also Secretary of the Student Council. She steps out of her comfort zone to participate in daily school announcements and helps with student of the month assemblies, where she speaks in front of over 650 students.
Quail Summit E.S. Principal Nicole Hernandez shared, “Although Meah arrived at Quail at the beginning of fourth grade, she quickly became an example for others. Outside of school, Meah goes to Mathnasium and loves to crochet. We are so excited to see what Meah goes on to achieve in middle school.”
Courtney and Edmundo Alvarado received the Partner in Education Award also from Quail Summit E.S. The Alvarados are a dynamic couple whose dedication and passion for the school community shine in everything they do. Courtney is the Community Club President. She plays an essential role in organizing, planning, and supporting the school’s Community Club. Due to her “We-can-all-play-a-role” attitude, attendance at the meetings has increased. Courtney ensures the gatherings run smoothly and fosters collaboration.
The couple’s commitment to the school is genuine, and they contribute purely out of the goodness of their hearts. Their selfless dedication inspires others to join in and make a difference. Edmundo spends countless hours adding lights, decorations, and putting up tables for school events, such as Winter Wonderland.
Hernandez added, “Courtney and Edmundo generously volunteer in the classroom, offering invaluable support to students and teachers alike. They make a lasting impact in our school community with their commitment and teamwork. Both truly exemplify the Quail spirit, and we are so proud to have them in our Quail family.”
About WVUSD
Walnut Valley Unified School District (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. U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings, rated many WVUSD schools in its 2025 Best School Rankings. To learn more about WVUSD’s distinguished schools, please visit WVUSD.org.
Contact:
Alicia Romero
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204
Captions:
(DSC_3643, L-R): Castle Rock E.S. Principal Liz Chang, Ed.D., Catherine Liaw with her family, and Board President Layla Abou-Taleb at the January 15 Board meeting in Walnut. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3647): Castle Rock E.S. staff show support for Superstar Student Catherine Liaw and Partners in Education, Patrice Lopez and Shirin Mahmoud. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3667) Castle Rock E.S. Principal Liz Chang, Ed.D., Shirin Mahmoud with her family, and Board President Layla Abou-Taleb at the January 15 Board meeting in Walnut. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3655, L-R): Castle Rock E.S. Principal Liz Chang, Ed. D., Patrice Lopez with her family, and Board President Layla Abou-Taleb at the January 15 Board meeting in Walnut. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3683, L-R): Quail Summit E.S. Principal Nicole Hernandez, Meah Poon with her family and Board President Layla Abou-Taleb at the January 15 Board meeting in Walnut. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3690, L-R): Quail Summit E.S. Principal Nicole Hernandez, Edmundo and Courtney Alvarado, and Board President Layla Abou-Taleb at the January 15 Board meeting in Walnut. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3699): Quail Summit E.S. staff show support for Superstar Student, Meah Poon, and Partners in Education Courtney and Edmundo Alvarado. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
(DSC_3637): Castle Rock E.S. student Laksha Samuel and her family with Board President Layla Abou-Taleb at the January 15 Board meeting in Walnut. (WVUSD photo, Alicia Romero)
-# # #-