Students Honored With 19th Annual Trip To Benihana's

WALNUT, CA — Nine students were treated to a sizzling reward for achieving their personal best during the 19th annual Benihana Lunch with the Principal on Tuesday.

Each of the nine elementary schools in the Walnut Valley Unified School District chose a hard-working student to celebrate during the special lunchtime adventure held at the City of Industry restaurant.

Congratulations to this year’s fifth grade honorees: Aayati Sangal– Castle Rock, DJ Ruffin – Cyrus J. Morris, Estrella Gallegos – Collegewood, Alicia Agalos – Evergreen, Alice Shen - Quail Summit, Leah Owens - Maple Hill, Brianna Velez – Vejar, Sunny Morales – Walnut Elementary, and Emily Santos – Westhoff.

Personal chefs entertained audiences while creating flaming onion ring volcanos, drizzling eggs into a cartoon characters, and flipping shrimp tails in stovepipe hats.

After enjoying the teppan-style meal, principals took turns sharing success stories about their students.

“Not only has Emily achieved academic excellence, she perseveres through hard times, she’s a fabulous friend, and always follows the Golden Rule,” said Westhoff Elementary Principal Denise Rendon.

“Estrella is very hard-working, resilient, and shows genuine compassion to classmates,” said Collegewood Elementary Principal Mary Wendland.

Evergreen Elementary Principal Carolyn Wills shared that her honoree was selected for demonstrating attributes from the school’s the Keys to Success character education program.

“Alicia shows perseverance and kindness to everyone and is sure to be very successful!”

Students received certificates, Benihana chef's hats, and keepsake photos.

Walnut Valley USD Photo