Livermore Management Association Celebrates Students & Staff

From LVJUSD: As the school year nears its end at the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD), many individuals and community groups are deserving of recognition and celebration for their contributions to LVJUSD schools and students. On May 9, 2018, students, staff, and community leaders were honored for their achievements and commitment to excellence in education at the Livermore Management Association’s (LMA) Annual Awards Breakfast.

The Scott Haggerty-Gloria Rios Scholarship, which honors high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in business, went to Livermore High School’s (LHS) Mason Arnold and Granada High School’s (GHS) Samantha Grey. The First Generation Scholarship for college-bound seniors went to Cecilia Rios del Rio of LHS and Olivia Howe of GHS. This year marked the first student awards for the African American Scholarship Project. Winners for this award were Tamia Drew from LHS and Thomas Reeves from GHS.

LVJUSD staff were recognized for their dedication and service to the District’s schools and students. Human Resources Specialist Danielle Sands won the award for Classified Employee of the Year, presented by Croce Elementary Principal Kendra Helsley. “Danielle works diligently to ensure that programs can fully function and, most importantly, that students’ needs are met,” said Helsley. “The hard work she puts in each day makes employees’ lives a little easier and our students’ education that much stronger.”

The LMA President’s Award, presented by LMA President Erik Taylor, went to Heidi Novell, who has worked with LVJUSD for twelve years, first in human resources, and then in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as an Assessment Technician. “She’s someone who goes above and beyond every day to do what is right for kids,” said Taylor. “She has a positive effect on all those she works with. We appreciate everything she does for our schools, our kids, and for all of us.” The Educator of the Year award went to Elizabeth Perez who teaches first grade at Arroyo Seco Elementary School. Jackson Avenue Elementary School Principal Shari Johnston won the award for Administrator of the Year.

The District’s community partners were celebrated as well for their past and continuing work in the service of education. Livermore Granada Boosters was recognized as a Partner in Education for the organization’s constant support throughout LVJUSD. The award was presented to Livermore Granada Boosters President Bret Dupuis and Vern Chase. The Real Estate Alliance of Livermore (REAL) was also honored as a Friend of Education for the group’s efforts to raise funds to enhance classrooms for first-time teachers. Accepting the award was REAL President DeeDee French, and members Barbara Benotto and Amber Averill. “The members of REAL understand the concept of home,” said Philomena Rambo, Director of Community Engagement at LVJUSD. “They understand the value of education, and they are committed to serving the need of our community.”

Former LHS teacher and coach, Clancy Crew, was honored as the LMA Retired Friend of Education. Crew continued his passion for educating students after his retirement, teaching at Vineyard’s Livermore Adult Education. “Clancy Crew’s distinguished service to our schools, our students, and our families represents an ideal example of an educator to which we all aspire each day in our work,” said LVJUSD Superintendent of Schools Kelly Bowers, Ed.D. “His generosity of time and spirit has been a gift to many.”

“This breakfast gives us an opportunity each year to celebrate our graduating seniors who are prepared to contribute and thrive as they pursue higher education,” added Bowers. “And we are grateful for our outstanding staff, dedicated educators, and generous community members, all of whom work toward building a bright future for our students.”

Photos courtesy of Livermore Granada Boosters. All pictures available at https://livermoregranadaboosters.smugmug.com

Images Via LVJUSD