WVUSD Trustees Recognize Exemplary Students, Community Members

WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized exemplary students and community members from Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools during the May 15 meeting. In addition, the Board honored 26 talented young artists named winners in the international Music K-8 Magazine Cover Contest.

Diamond Bar High senior Kailie Vongsaga received the Super Star Student Award for demonstrating athletic excellence. The talented golfer has been named an American Junior Golf Association Rolex All American for three years, received the Palomares League MVP Award in 2015, finished 7th Place in CIF State Finals in 2018, led the Brahmas to four league titles, earned a CIF-SS Runner Up award, and more.

Kailie also had the distinct honor of serving as the Girls Golf team’s captain for the past three years. She recently competed in the Canadian Women’s Amateur Golf Tournament and the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier held in Chicago. She was in the lead after the first round and finished just one stroke away from competing in the prestigious tournament. Kailie will attend the University of Arizona to play golf next year.

Joe Bloomfield was lauded with the Partner in Education Award for his generous contributions at Diamond Bar High.He spent last three years developing a partnership with the school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) and Robotics programs. Joe has served as a mentor for the past two years, donating time to supervise students in the 3D Printing Club for at least five hours after school each week.

Joe has also provided internship opportunities in his manufacturing plant, connected students with network professionals, hosted students in industrial facility tour, served as member of WVUSD CTE Advisory Council, donated materials and equipment to DBHS, and served as a sponsor for Diamond Bar High’s Sprocket robotics team.

“His efforts have enabled the expansion of our Engineering, 3D Printing, Manufacturing, and Business Pathways for CTE,” said Principal Dr. Reuben Jones.

Walnut High senior Kaitlin Day was lauded with the Super Star Student Award for academic and athletic excellence. The National Merit Commended student earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and held the position of captain of the Varsity Basketball team. She has also been a member of the Varsity Track team for four years, served on Leadership for three years, is the current ASB President, and past ASB Secretary.

Kaitlin has spent numerous hours volunteering and leading peers through numerous activities on campus. Her compassion is evident by the way she mentors younger students and by her involvement with Best Buddies program. She is well respected by her peers, loved by staff, and described as being “honest, friendly, intelligent, compassionate, driven and funny” by grade level coordinator, Jennifer Tucker.

“Kaitlin’s dedication to Walnut High will leave a lasting impact on all of us who have shared in watching and working with her!” said Principal Brandon Dade.

Parent volunteer Jeff Day was commended with the Partner in Education Award for his unmatched drive and commitment to the Girls Basketball program. For the past four years, Jeff has worked tirelessly with coaches, parents, and community members to enhance the experience of the team. Coach Lori Huckler described the dedicated volunteer as “an outstanding human being and a rock for the Girls Basketball program.”

“Jeff exemplifies the meaning of family, and he has brought tremendous love and energy to Walnut High,” said Principal Brandon Dade.

Twenty-six elementary students were recognized as winners inthe Music K-8 Magazine Cover Contest. Vocal music teacher Greta Davis introduced the talented fifth graders who received certificates of recognition and color prints of their original artwork.

Four students earned top awards: Christina Yang, Vejar – 1st Runner Up, Veronica Yong, Collegewood – 2nd Runner Up, Michelle Zhang, Walnut – 4th Runner Up, Christina Qi, Maple Hill – 7th Runner Up.

Top Finalists: Justin Ho-Walnut, Moran Zheng-Collegewood, Matthew Ly- Collegewood, Coco Chen-Vejar, Joyce Lee-Westhoff, Nicole Fung-Evergreen, Emily Yoon-Quail Summit, Fiona Tseng-Vejar. Most Humorous Artist: Cindy Chen (Xinyue Chen)-Vejar. Finalists: Ana Xu-Maple Hill, Katie Shen-Vejar, Scott Matsumoto-Maple Hill, Evan Chean-Walnut, Chloe Kim-Maple Hill.

Honorable Mentions: Irene Oh-Maple Hill, Emily Bao-Maple Hill, Race Nunez-Maple Hill, Brandon Hsu-Collegewood, Meilan Busteed-Walnut, Celina Zhou-Evergreen, Zihan (Richard) Chen-Westhoff, Ailie Chow -Westhoff, Ashley Zhou-Quail Summit.