NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
January 17, 2013 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley Board Honors Castle Rock and South Pointe Super Stars and Community Partners
WALNUT, CA--The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees honored Castle Rock Elementary and South Pointe Middle School Super Stars and Community Partners during the January 16 meeting. Each outstanding recipient was presented with a Certificate of Special Recognition from Board President Helen Hall.
Castle Rock Elementary 4th grader Jacqueline Mirada was selected as the school’s 2012-13 Super Star. Principal Carol Sullivan said the exemplary student was selected for making a thoughtful inquiry during an IB unit about going green.
Jacqueline took the lead with many questions, which led to research, and then more questions last year in Mrs. Roddy’s third grade class. She was particularly concerned about the emissions from leaf blowers and why trees were trimmed when students needed them for shade, Sullivan explained.
As a result of her questions and those of her classmates, WVUSD Superintendent Dr. Dean Conklin and Director of Maintenance and Operations Jeff Bloedorn made a special visit to Room 23 to listen to their concerns and provide answers.
That inquiry and class visit led to the department making changes in the way they serviced the needs of our school, the Diamond Bar principal said.
“I am proud to present this Super Star Award to Jacqueline for being an excellent example of the IB attitudes of confidence, commitment, curiosity, and respect,” added Sullivan.
Cantrell Photography was honored as Castle Rock’s Community Partner.
“Owner Marlene Cantrell and her staff have always gone above and beyond to provide excellent service to Castle Rock. In fact, they have always been just a phone call away,” Sullivan said.
Cantrell has served as the school’s photographer for over 30 years.
“From taking great yearbook pictures, to providing our volunteer badges, they personify customer service and always deliver an excellent product in a timely way. Thank you, Cantrell, and we look forward to many more years of partnership,” she added.
South Pointe Middle School honored parent Gordon Mize with the Community Partner Award.
“This is a remarkable man,” lauded Principal Susan Arzola.
He is here at South Pointe on his days off and before he goes to work. Rain or shine he’s got his hat on picking up trash in the parking lot, or running papers in the workroom. He sees a need, grabs his gloves and takes care of it, she explained.
“We find him everywhere. He is fast, smart, efficient, and we LOVE having him around the Pointe!” Arzola said.
South Pointe Middle School 8th grader Angeleena Escamilla was recognized as the 2012-13 Super Star student.
Angeleena plays the bass clarinet and French horn and has just been chosen for the 2013 All-State Honor Band. Only 200 middle school students in the State are selected to play in this elite ensemble, including only eight bass clarinet players.
Angeleena is an Honor Roll student. She is not just a good student- she is a good person who is kind, caring. and a first responder in any situation. She also helps care for her younger siblings. Angeleena is preparing herself for success in life and has the tenacity to accept any future challenges, Principal Arzola explained.
“We’re very proud of Angeleena and we think you needed to meet her because she’s somebody you’re going to see and hear about,” Arzola said during the meeting.
Joseph Aguilar was honored as a Super Star by South Pointe Middle School.
“Last year, we implemented the Guardian Angel program. We all got to choose students that we wanted to advocate for. Assistant Principal Mrs. Jean Chung said, ‘I get this one,’” Principal Arzola explained.
Joseph is currently a freshman at Walnut High School.
Every morning Joseph gets himself and his little brother ready for school. After the school day ends, and he’s finished football practice, Joseph helps his stepfather fix cars into the night.
Joseph is a great athlete, a great mechanic, an extremely intelligent young man, and a super student.
“He is compassionate, a hard worker dedicated to school, his team, his friends, and he puts family first - sometimes even before himself. We are very proud of his accomplishments and his successful transition to Walnut High,” Arzola said.
“And whether or not he knows it, Joseph will always be part of our Panther Pride!” she added.
Shown:
Castle Rock Elementary 4th grader Jacqueline Mirada was honored as the school’s Super Star Student by the WVUSD Board of Trustees on January 16. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.
Castle Rock’s star student Jacqueline Mirada was joined by family members, Principal Carol Sullivan, and Board President Helen Hall during her recognition.
Cantrell Photography was recognized as the Castle Rock Elementary Community Partner during the January 16 Board Meeting. Shown: Owner Marlene Cantrell and Board President Helen Hall.
South Pointe parent Gordon Mize received the Community Partner Award on January 16. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.
South Pointe Middle School 8th grader Angeleena Escamilla was honored as the 2012-13 Super Star student by the WVUSD Board of Trustees. Shown receiving a Certificate of Special Recognition from Board President Helen Hall.
South Pointe’s 2012-13 Super Star student Angeleena Escamilla with Principal Susan Arzola, family members, and Board President Helen Hall.
South Pointe Middle School selected Joseph Aguilar as a Super Star Student. The Board of Trustees honored him with a Certificate of Special Recognition during the January 16 meeting.
Super Star Student Joseph Aguilar celebrates his achievement with his stepfather, South Pointe Principal Susan Arzola, Assistant Principal Jean Hicks, and Board President Helen Hall.