SBCUSD Board of Education Presents February Outstanding Awards

The Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Salinas Elementary School, Thompson Elementary School, Paakuma’ K–8 School and San Bernardino High School (SBHS).

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.

Salinas Elementary School, Principal Ramon Velasco:

Madyson Kamtan is a fifth grader and Outstanding Student. Kamtan is very dedicated and focused. This provides her a strong foundation for academic success and good citizenship. She is a good role model for her peers.

Aeris Reyes is a third grader who was also recognized as an Outstanding Student. Reyes demonstrates responsibility and enthusiasm for her work. She is conscientious about including her peers whenever she can, which is one example of her good citizenship.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Jessica Ruiz Montes is the mother of two Salinas students and is very involved in their educational life. She also supports every classroom and teacher at Salinas in any way she can. She volunteers to beautify and decorate the school and takes time to recognize educators and staff.

Office Clerk Kimberly Vera is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Vera’s exceptional work ethic, customer service approach and service-focused attitude make her an indispensable part of Salinas Elementary. She exemplifies the human potential of our community, having been born in San Bernardino, educated in San Bernardino schools and now working for SBCUSD.

Counselor Marvin Mathis is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Mathis is in the people business. He has a clear commitment to developing well-rounded students. He understands that an organized and safe school leads to educational growth and commitment, as evidenced by his focus on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

Thompson Elementary School, Principal Vilma Sandoval:

Flor Chaviedo Castillo is a second-grader and Outstanding Student. Chaviedo Castillo is a consistent role model for the three character traits: integrity, kindness and honesty. She is very self-motivated and loves learning. She is an active learner, always engaged and loves academic challenges.

Caleb Sanchez is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Sanchez is an exceptional example of perseverance, kindness, leadership and significant growth. He demonstrates perseverance by working diligently to overcome personal and academic challenges. He approaches new tasks with a positive attitude even if they are challenging.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Raylena Figueroa has made a significant difference at Thompson through her consistent dedication and support. She is always willing to help and volunteer in her children’s classrooms and provide calm, patient and kind guidance to all students.

Recreational Aide Norma Bailon is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Bailon creates a safe and welcoming space where all students feel included and supported. Her kindness and respect for everyone make her a joy to work with, and she’s always ready to collaborate with staff to keep things running smoothly.

Teacher Melissa Ramirez is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Ramirez creates an engaging, supportive environment where every student feels valued and motivated. Her collaboration, professionalism, resilience and innovative teaching inspire both students and colleagues.

Thompson Elementary fourth-grader Caleb Sanchez was honored as an Outstanding Student for February 2025 by the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education and Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Paakuma’ K–8 School, Principal Dr. Dana Jamison:

Seventh-grader John Bond is an Outstanding Student. Bond was recognized for his outstanding dedication and growth this year. He has increased his commitment to his studies, which have led to significant positive changes reflected in improved citizenship and notable academic progress.

Kennedy Williams is a first-grader and Outstanding Student. Williams’ cheerful and bright personality lights up the Paakuma’ campus every day. Her constant smile and welcoming nature make everyone feel valued and appreciated. Energetic and charming, Williams is not only a joy to have around but also a dedicated helper and exemplary student.

Yolanda Mendoza is an Outstanding Parent Award winner. Mendoza provided not only her time and experience but also decorations, treats and a warm smile to make Paakuma’s Book Fair a success despite not having power for two days. Paakuma’ could not have done it without her.

Campus Security Officer Miguel Ortiz, also known as Baker 22, is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Ortiz helps in creating a safe and secure environment where students are able to learn and thrive. His professionalism and respect of students and staff alike have earned him admiration from all corners of the school community.

As Paakuma’s P.E. Teacher and newly appointed ASB Advisor, Santiago Rodriguez is an Outstanding Certificated Employee who has seamlessly stepped into his role, fostering incredible school spirit and creating opportunities for students to feel welcomed and connected. He dedicates countless hours to ensuring the campus is a vibrant and inclusive place.

San Bernardino High School, Principal Anna Sosa:

Isabella Azcorra is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Azcorra’s charisma combined with a genuine passion for helping others makes her a natural leader. Over the past two years, she has been an invaluable member of the Principal’s Student Advisory Council, contributed to enhancing the overall experience for both students and faculty.

High school senior Pablo Alonzo-Juarez is an Outstanding Student. Alonzo-Juarez maintains a 3.8 total GPA while also being involved in Air Force Jr. ROTC and Engineering pathways at SBHS. He has been integral in helping the SBHS water polo and wrestling teams advance to CIF this year and has continuously taken leadership roles in athletics and Associated Student Body.

Wendy McEwen is an Outstanding Parent. McEwen has been engaged in helping her student-athlete son, George, be successful at SBHS, but she also shows concern for all students as a member of the School Site Council, assisting in the WASC accreditation process, as a member of the MOM’s Squad that supports the varsity boys’ basketball team, and more.

Athletic Equipment Attendant Mario Preszler is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Preszler’s attention to detail and commitment to safety have ensured the athletic programs operate smoothly and students are always prepared. He fosters an environment of teamwork and support, offering a helping hand wherever needed.

Math Teacher Linda Nelson is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She demonstrates professionalism and great passion for supporting students. She contributes positively to SBHS as Math department chair and leadership team member. She keeps up to date with instructional practices and initiatives to better support her colleagues.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-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.

Author: Wallace