Steve Allen Awards Honor Schools, Students and Educators

The Valley Economic Alliance recognized Valley schools, students and educators that have earned national honors at the organization’s board of governors meeting Wednesday night in Van Nuys. Honorees were presented with awards for excellence in academic competitions, creating student mentorship programs and introducing innovative teaching methods in the classroom. Recipients of the 2018 Steve Allen Excellence in Education Awards — named for the entertainer and longtime Valley resident — included El Camino Real Charter High School’s national decathlon team, Los Angeles Valley College’s Strengthening Working Families Project and the Los Angeles Valley College’s speech and debate team. “It is difficult to show the significance of what these students, educators and schools are doing in our region,” said alliance board member and Allen’s son Bill Allen at the event. “Their amazing accomplishments and witnessing what they have brought to our Valley, I hope you see the remarkable vision and courage they have.” California State University – Northridge and John R. Wooden High Scholl received the “Business and Education Partnership” Award for their partnership on the MOSAIC Mentorship Program, which matches at-risk youth with college students to improve dropout rates and college readiness. The “Innovation in Education Award” was presented to Iain Gabriel Lampert, a speech and debate coach at iLEAD North Hollywood Charter School.