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The Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Fairfax Elementary School, Riley College Prep Academy Elementary School, Curtis Middle School and Virtual Academy.
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.
Fairfax Elementary School, Principal Dr. Gregory Alexander:
Alexa Fuentes Vasquez is a second grader and Outstanding Student. Principal Alexander shared that Fuentes Vasquez demonstrates safe, respectful and responsible behavior. She consistently scores at the top of the class.
Markus Garcia is a fifth grader and was also recognized as an Outstanding Student. Garcia is a cooperative and well-mannered 5th-grader who completes his work accurately and on time. His passion for learning, his willingness to be a team player, and his determination to succeed in life is beyond compare.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Natalie Rincon has made a difference for all students at Fairfax Elementary by volunteering nearly the entire 2023–24 school year as a recreation aide. She attends field trips and serves on the English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC). During lunch and recess, Rincon also found special time to connect with students who spoke limited English to make them feel comfortable and important.
Secretary II Desiree Huerta is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Huerta is the heart and soul of Fairfax. She is organized and keeps staff informed. She demonstrates professionalism by giving her best everyday and exemplifies resilience by facing and resolving problems and overcoming adversities on a regular basis.
National Board Certified Teacher Jason Scott is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. As a Multi-tiered System of Support Teacher on Special Assignment, Scott has established a solid tier 2 intervention by organizing and implementing the school’s learning lab. He exemplifies the belief in human potential because he truly believes that every individual can learn and exceed expectations.
Riley College Prep Academy Elementary School, Principal Jaime Arias:
Leo Garcia is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Garcia shines as an exceptional student who perseveres through challenges and always tries his hardest. He is the first to lend a helping hand to a friend and consistently demonstrates classroom expectations. His bright light shines whenever you see him, and he is a natural leader who models great behavior and sets a positive example for his peers.
Evelyn Palacios Garcia is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Palacios Garcia exceeded expectations in both language arts and math on the CAASPP last year as a third-grader. Her laughter and smiles brighten each day, reflecting her happiness to be at school and learning. She upholds all PBIS expectations and has earned a role on Riley’s Honor Patrol.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Elizabeth Delgado is a shining example of parent empowerment and engagement. Her dedication to Riley is evident through her active involvement in the School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Council and other District committees, as well as her volunteer hours. She is a proud San Bernardino High graduate and a true product of San Bernardino.
Bilingual Health Aide Alejandra Sanchez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Sanchez models professionalism, pride and kindness daily. She shines when caring for students’ health, helping families support their child’s health and working collaboratively with her office team on daily operations.
Program Facilitator Scott Neuscheler is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Neuscheler exemplifies the District’s Operational Values by championing the strengths of every Riley student and teacher and helping them reach their fullest potential. He advocates for all students to receive the support they need, creating a safe and welcoming school environment that is fun and joyful.
Curtis Middle School, Principal Guillermo Guerrero:
Eighth-grader Jasaun Alonzo Lee Carswell is an Outstanding Student. Carswell is a member of the Lion Team and has been a driving force behind the motto “The Curtis Way.” He played a pivotal role in Curtis Middle School’s achievement of the STEM Pathway Linked Learning Gold Certification, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence.
Oswaldo Moreno Cortes is a seventh-grader and Outstanding Student. Moreno Cortes exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated scholar and to live The Curtis Way. Beginning his SBCUSD journey as a kindergarten English learner, Moreno Cortes has demonstrated remarkable progress. With a 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance and a strong work ethic, he is a shining example of academic excellence and perseverance.
Marina Perez is an Outstanding Parent Award winner. Perez has earned recognition for her active involvement and dedication to her school community. As a key member of Curtis’s English Learner Advisory Council and the District-level committee, she plays a vital role in supporting efforts to improve educational outcomes for English learners.
Bilingual Attendance Technician Gabriela Caracoza is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Caracoza truly exemplifies the District’s Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES in all that she does. A pillar of positivity in the school office, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of staff and scholars. Her stellar customer service and dedication to supporting the school community make her an essential part of the Curtis family.
Scott Velasquez is an Outstanding Certificated Employee and English Language Arts Teacher. Velasquez is an exemplary leader who embodies Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES every day. As a dedicated team lead, department chair and sports coach, he consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence. His leadership and dedication to Curtis scholars, along with his embodiment of the Curtis Way, contribute to a thriving and positive school culture.
Virtual Academy, Principal Karma Duffy:
Jaylin Soto is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Soto has worked hard during her time at Virtual Academy. She has strived to do her academic best. She not only excels in her high school coursework but also her college coursework. She currently has completed two semesters of college coursework as part of the Dual Enrollment program.
High school junior Malia Woods is an Outstanding Student. Woods has been a great student who is always willing to go above and beyond what’s expected of her. Her teacher has witnessed her growth as a virtual student and her strong leadership skills. She submits quality work, participates in Dual Enrollment, attending both high school and college classes, and attends most Virtual Academy in-person events.
Kesha McGee is an Outstanding Parent. McGee is always willing to support and be involved in her child’s education and wider school matters. She has been a driving force in the establishment of Virtual Academy’s African-American Parent Advisory Council and the PTO. School staff appreciate that she is looking out not only for her own child but for all the students of Virtual Academy.
Senior Clerk Sonja Brock is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Brock exemplifies professionalism as she works closely with parents and staff to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected. She is the school’s enrollment specialist and works to ensure families understand the Independent Study process through both Virtual Academy and the Alternative Learning Center.
High School English Language Arts Teacher Lorie Myers is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She exemplifies the importance of human potential. Her warm demeanor provides a feeling of support with high expectations for all of her scholars. She has always been a team player and truly takes an interest in every scholar she works with.
