NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
September 22, 2011 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley School Board Honors Students
WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley Board of Trustees recognized three students during the September 21 meeting.
Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Justa Hoang, Walnut High School senior Aaron Wayalat, and junior Eric Wang, received certificates of special recognition for making a difference in our schools and community.
Two members of the Walnut High Teen Republican Club, advised by teacher Brett Landis, were recognized by the Board of Trustees. Club President Aaron Wayalat and Secretary Eric Wang organized a 9/11 remembrance project that displayed 2,997 American flags in front of the school to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the nation’s tragedy.
The students were determined to complete the display on Sunday, September 11 so that students and staff would be reminded of 9/11 when they came to school on Monday. They worked to secure funding for the flags from the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) and coordinated the effort with volunteers from the Link Crew club.
Superintendent Dr. Dean Conklin said the display with flags that spelled out 911, USA and a star with hexagon inside was very impressive and the Board wanted to make sure that they were recognized for their leadership on the project.
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Chaparral 8th grader and class president Justa Hoang was recognized for singing the National Anthem at the WVUSD Welcome Back program on August 17 at Calvary Chapel.
She received a standing ovation from about 1,000 staff members in attendance.
Dr. Conklin said her performance set the tone for the one-hour event.
“You gave us the opportunity to pause for a moment and be reminded we are here for kids, kids just like you,” he said.
“Your voice touched everyone. Thank you for setting the stage and the way you sang that morning. It was remarkable and you have a great career ahead of you,” he said.
Shown:
WVUSD students were honored by the Board of Trustees with certificates of special recognition on September 21. Board President Cindy Ruiz, Walnut High Teen Republican officers Aaron Walayat and Eric Wang, with advisor Brett Landis.
Chaparral 8th grader Justa Hoang with Board President Cindy Ruiz. Justa was recognized for her performance of the National Anthem during the Welcome Back program for WVUSD staff members on August 17.