SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, April 15, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Davidson Elementary School, Del Rosa Elementary School, Serrano Middle School and Sierra 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.
Davidson Elementary School, Principal Tamara Brown:
Chase Gray-Luna is a first-grader and Outstanding Student. Gray-Luna excels in academics, especially in writing, where his creativity and effort truly shine. He always wears a smile and consistently follows school-wide expectations with a positive attitude. Gray-Luna’s behavior and dedication make him a strong role model for his peers.
Jerry Howie is a fifth-grader who was also recognized as an Outstanding Student. Howie is thrilled about the academic progress he’s making and eagerly shares his success with others. With growing confidence, he’s learning to be a positive role model for his classmates.
Outstanding Grandparent Award winners Roberto and Martha Tapia brought joy to students during the winter holidays by dressing up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. They handed out candy canes and spread cheer, creating a festive and memorable experience for all. Their ongoing support helps ensure students feel happy, valued, and connected to the Davidson community.
Recreational Aide & Parent Volunteer Worker Minerva Canela is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Canela brings warmth and positivity to everyone she encounters. She is kind, compassionate and consistently supports parents, students and staff throughout her day. Her dedication makes a lasting impact on students and the school community.
Fourth-grade Teacher Claudia Perez is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Perez displays excellence in her craft and has shown tremendous professional growth. Her classroom is calm, inviting and thoughtfully designed to support student learning and well-being. When you step into her room, you immediately feel the passion and care she brings to her teaching every day.
Del Rosa Elementary School, Principal Keri Bernstine:
Isaiah Hayes is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Hayes has embraced the music program with pride and excellence. To hear him play the violin is to experience how sound dances across time, telling stories that live forever and communicating in a language that embodies math, science, art and psychology.
Andrew Wagner is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Wagner has an affinity for learning. He is passionate about understanding the “who,” “what” and “why” of most subjects. Andrew performs in the top ten percent of the entire school and attends class every day ready to learn.
Outstanding Parent Award winners Cindy and Jonte Levar Washington are the proud parents of Michelle Williams. Together they embody the idea that when community and schools work together we have the power to help children thrive.
Cafeteria Manager Rosie Ramirez-Andrade is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Ramirez-Andrade goes above and beyond to meet the needs of students. She maintains an environment of high expectations and standards, allowing students to enjoy meal time in a clean and safe environment. She collaborates with administration consistently, including organizing field trips and Saturday school.
Third-grade Teacher Jimmy Dayonot is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Dayonot teaches his students to take ownership of their own learning, recognizing that in the right environment every child can meet their greatest potential. In his class, expectations are taught and retaught with kindness and patience. Most impressively, Jimmy teaches his students how to think.
Serrano Middle School, Principal Erin Freeman:
Seventh-grader Robert Caldera is an Outstanding Student. Caldera is being recognized for his leadership and commitment to Serrano. He serves on the School Site Council and ASB, where he collaborates with peers to implement positive, innovative initiatives. He is also a skilled math tutor. His efforts have earned him the Principal’s Award, reflecting his strong work ethic.
Cairo Garcia is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Garcia excels across all subjects and brings a high level of curiosity and engagement to every class. He has participated in every sport offered at Serrano, showcasing both talent and dedication. Kind, compassionate, athletic and academically driven, he truly embodies the qualities of a high achiever.
Brenda Navarrete is an Outstanding Parent Award winner. Navarrete is always willing to help wherever needed. Her ability to connect with families helps break down barriers and strengthens the school community. Through her guidance, she empowers parents to become informed and involved, supporting their children’s success not only at Serrano but throughout their educational journey.
Bilingual Clerk II Edna Velazquez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Velazquez provides translation services and supports parents and guardians in understanding the importance of attendance and academic achievement. Her caring demeanor creates a sense of safety and reassurance for families and students.
Mary Murphy is a Science Teacher and an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She truly embodies the “E” and “S” in SHINES through her actions and advocacy. She ensures that her classroom is a safe, secure and equitable space for all students. Beyond her own room, she actively speaks up and advocates for these values to be upheld throughout the entire school.
Sierra High School, Principal Hector Murrieta:
Manuel “Manny” Chavez Vasquez is a junior and an Outstanding Student. Chavez Vasquez lives out the SBCUSD Operating Values of Human Potential, Collaboration, Resilience and Pride at Sierra. Whether he decides to return to his home school or complete his diploma at Sierra, his teachers are certain that he will make all of us shine.
High school senior Daysha Johnson is an Outstanding Student. Johnson is a student leader who advocates for and supports her classmates as a member of the Sunshine Crew. She was a featured speaker during the recent ribbon cutting for Sierra’s new Student Wellness Center and is passionate about making sure every Sierra student is cared for physically, emotionally and academically.
Corinthia Williams is an Outstanding Aunt. After a full day at work at North Park Elementary School, where Williams serves as an instructional tutor, she takes time out to help her nephew Damorio Thompson at Sierra. But more than that, she makes herself available to help anyone regarding anything they need at Sierra. Principal Hector Murrieta has Williams on speed dial because he knows he can always count on this Outstanding Aunt.
Account Clerk Esperanza Ochoa is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Ochoa has the ability to manage budgets and be a people-oriented employee. It is not uncommon for Esperanza to support Sierra by attending student and staff events like prom, prom-attire giveaways and staff appreciation days. She cares about money but also about people.
Teacher Rob Christie is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. For Christie, there is no such thing as a student who can’t graduate, just a student who needs an alternative approach. His entire approach to teaching is to accommodate the students, not having students accommodate his approach. Christie is exactly what Sierra students need and what they deserve.
About San Bernardino City Unified School District:
The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s ninth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
