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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Alliance Recognizes Outstanding Achievements in Education

Ten students and educators from the San Fernando Valley were recognized during the 8th annual Steve Allen Excellence in Education Awards presented by the Valley Economic Alliance on May 27. The awards, named for long-time Valley resident and legendary entertainer Steve Allen, were presented at the facilities of the nonprofit organization M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need with Dignity) in Pacoima. The 2009 Business Education/Partnership Award was also presented to Sharon’s Good Eats Cafe and Miller Career and Transition Center. The caf?partners with the career center, a program run by the Los Angeles Unified School District that serves young adults with special needs, in order to provide workforce readiness training in the form of entry level employment. Nominees for this award included Payless Shoes in Burbank, Albertsons, Triunfo YMCA, Hollywood Video and Glendale Adventist, all of which partner with special education programs in the San Fernando Valley by offering employment to students. In addition, three special Champions of Education Awards were presented to: Lou Stewart – Assistant Superintendent, Glendale Unified School District; Victoria Willig, Mentor Teacher, Las Virgenes Unified School District; and Gayle Marano Brown, Special Education Teacher Miller Career and Transition Center. This award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving public education. Recipients of the 2009 Steve Allen Excellence in Education National Recognition Include: Dana Stephens, LAUSD District 2, Vice Principal at Colfax Elementary received The Milken National Educator Award Pinecrest Schools Van Nuys No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon School Heschel West Day School No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon School Stephanie Calix, LAUSD District 1, Student at Canoga Park High School Winner of CNN/Time Warner Cable, First Vote Video Competition Contest Grace Chen, LAUSD District 2, Student at North Hollywood High School, Perfect SAT Score. Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, LAUSD District 1, National Magnet School of Distinction by the national organization Magnet Schools of America. Sarah Morcos, LAUSD District 1 – Student at Grover Cleveland High School won the United Nations Global Issue Award and the United Nations Department of Public Information Award for Petals of Hope video. Robert Eisenhart, LAUSD District 2 – Educator at Van Nuys High School received national award from Mr. Holland Opus Foundation Los Angeles Valley College Los Angeles Valley Speech Team Won first place in the individual events category at the 2009 Phi Rho Pi Tournament, team members include: Andrea Barrera, Micki Boden, Donna Carroll, Katrina Herrera, LeCoya Lejeune, Annie Leroux, Katie Mongan, Alexis Nalley, Thomas Petersen, Felix Tanandika, Elena Tarsitani, Pariya Tehrani, Patrick Thomson, and Arthur Valenzuela. John A. Sutter Middle School, LAUSD District 1- Won the Education League National Math Test, Sergio Mares, Xavier Escobar, Danielle Clarke, Clarissa Olivar, Ada Vu and Alejandra Rojas.

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