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May Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In May, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Anton and Emmerton Elementary Schools, Shandin Hills Middle School and Cajon High School.
The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.
Anton Elementary School, Principal Melanie McGrath:
Kindergartner Serenity Thompson is an Outstanding Student in the Dual Immersion Program. Thompson is a native English speaker who is quickly working towards fluency in Spanish while continuing to shine in both English and math. Thompson wants to grow up to be a veterinarian because she loves animals and wants to help them.
Kiran Samel is a fourth grader and Outstanding Student. Samel is a highly gifted scholar who consistently exceeds state standards in English and math. She is creative, humble, perseverant and works well with other students. She wants to help students be successful at school and improve mental health and plans to become a school counselor like her father.
Outstanding Grandparent Award winner Leonel Beiza supports the Anton school community by consistently attending special events and family nights. He volunteers whenever he’s asked, and he is always willing to answer any technology questions that come up.
Bilingual Clerk Teresa Sanchez Muniz goes above and beyond in all that she does. She is professional under all circumstances and keeps Anton running efficiently. She serves our parents, students, staff and community members with passion, commitment and dedication. According to the staff at Anton, she helps the school SHINE.
Bilingual Psychologist Dulcemaria Bec demonstrates emotional commitment and a deep sense of purpose for serving children with special needs. She is empathetic and compassionate as an advocate for students and their families. Her commitment to service is outstanding as she collaborates with parents, students, teachers and administrators to ensure our students receive the support they need.
Emmerton Elementary School, Principal Laura Ramos:
Mariana Rodriguez is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Rodriguez is a model Emmerton Eagle Scholar. She is a friend to all and is involved in Broadway Now and the District’s Expanded Learning Program. In the future, Rodriguez wants to be a third-grade teacher at Emmerton.
Fourth-grader Yuna Walsh is an Outstanding Student who has exhibited grit, determination and good citizenship as an Emmerton Eagle Scholar. She is involved with Broadway Now and the music program at school. Walsh would like to become a doctor and help people.
Outstanding Volunteer Award winner Adlemi Castillo is always willing to come support Emmerton Elementary, its students, families and staff. She has served for many years on the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), School Site Council, and PTO. According to Emmerton staff, Castillo helps make Emmerton a great place to learn.
Stacie Smith is an Instructional Tutor for learning and physically handicapped students and an Outstanding Classified Employee. Smith always goes above and beyond, even in the most challenging situations. She is a champion for Special Education students and also mentors new employees, providing the support they need to be successful.
Fourth-Grade Teacher Stefani Guzman is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Guzman is a dedicated teacher who always exhibits a positive attitude. She is a member of her site’s AVID Leadership Team. She tutors students to help them understand challenging concepts. She makes learning fun and does all that she can to support student learning.
Shandin Hills Middle School, Principal Dr. Persida Torres:
Seventh-grader Osvaldo Amaro Gildo is an Outstanding Student. With a flawless 4.0 GPA, Amaro Gildo is a model student and leader who excels in his studies and sets a high standard for his peers. He embodies the Spirit of Shandin Hills through his hard work, positive attitude and unwavering dedication to making the school a better place. He is interested in attending CalTech in Pasadena and pursuing a career in computer engineering or real estate development.
Cesar Burgueno is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Burgueno is a shining star who has consistently exhibits resilience, determination and a strong commitment to excellence. From grades six to eight, Burgueno has demonstrated remarkable progress and achievement. For the first time, Burgueno has proudly secured a spot on the honor roll. He is interested in attending USC and majoring in either mechanical or construction engineering.
Teresa Negrete is an Outstanding Volunteer. From the moment Negrete became involved with Shandin Hills, it was clear that she was not just a passive observer, but an active participant in her children’s education. Whenever there’s a school event, you can count on her to be there and ready to volunteer in any capacity. She is the epitome of parental dedication and commitment.
Attendance Technician Francisca Rodriguez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She has made an extraordinary impact since joining Shandin Hills at the start of the school year. She exceeds expectations, and her dedication to supporting diverse families is evident in her attentive approach to connecting them with crucial resources and delivering exceptional customer service.
Bilingual Math Teacher Marisol Montejano is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Beyond her academic duties, Montejano exemplifies dedication and passion for her students’ academic growth and takes a heartfelt interest in their overall well-being, building genuine, professional relationships with students and families. Her approachable nature and open communication foster trust and mutual respect.
Cajon High School, Principal Dr. Chris Jackson:
Alexandra “Alex” Gilbreth is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Alex Gilbreth is the embodiment of a committed Cowboy. She earned a 3.75 GPA, was a member of the aquatics program and this year served as the Associated Student Body president. Gilbreth is planning on studying Agricultural Marketing at Purdue University in the fall.
Senior Javier Cueto Sanchez is an Outstanding Student. He earned a 3.70 GPA, was a cross country athlete, a leader in the Cadet Corp program and completed the automotive technology pathway, having taken all three years worth of courses. Cueto Sanchez will be attending Loyola Marymount University in the fall to study business management and accounting.
Carrie and Keven Gilbreth are Cajon’s Outstanding Parents. The Gilbreths continually rise to the call for any and everything they are asked to do. They are an integral ingredient that comprises the secret sauce of what makes Cajon High the special place it is. With both of their children being Cowboy alumni at the conclusion of this year, the Cajon staff hope they will stay connected to the school community. Carrie Gilbreth has also served on the District’s Athletic Strategic Planning Committee and is a Cajon High grad.
Custodian II Maria Alvarado is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Not only does she possess an exemplary work ethic that results in impeccable craftsmanship in her duties, but she does it with the perpetually positive demeanor that helps set the tone for many members of the Cajon family. Cajon is grateful for the hard work and positive contribution that Alvarado makes on a daily basis.
Linked Learning Program Specialist Elizabeth Kackery is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Kackery is the embodiment of a bolt of lighting in her enthusiasm, energy and passion for her work. Her commitment to her pathway teammates goes well above the call of duty. She is constantly chasing the best possible systems and outcomes for students.
