Asm. Fong Honors Outstanding Local Educators

Assemblymember Mike Fong with Honoree Kimberly Valentine looking at photos from her classroom (Photo – Mike Fong Office)

On Thursday, May 30, Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra) honored 16 educators with Outstanding Educator Awards.

By News Desk

An Awards ceremony, held at the Rosemead Community Center, celebrated educators from the San Gabriel Valley, who have shown exceptional dedication to the betterment of their students and the communities in which they serve.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Month, the Outstanding Educator Awards recognize and celebrate amazing educators in the 49^th State Assembly District and their commitment to uplifting and supporting their students. The 49^th State Assembly District includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena and Temple City, and the unincorporated areas of Pasadena and San Gabriel.

The honorees, from elementary school teachers to postsecondary instructors, were selected from over a hundred nominations submitted by students, colleagues and members of the community throughout the month of May.

As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, Assemblymember Mike Fong understands the potential of education to uplift individuals and entire communities, and the important role educators have in not only facilitating the learning experience, but also serving as role models and motivators.

“Last year, we started this tradition because I truly believe in the power and promise of education to uplift everyone in our community, and the people who make it happen each and every day deserve recognition,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong. “I am honored to continue this tradition this year and celebrate these amazing educators, who are truly changing lives.”

Over a hundred people attended the awards ceremony, including elected officials, school board members, and friends and family members of the 16 honorees.

Assemblymember Mike Fong with the Outstanding Educator Honorees (Photo – Office of Mike Fong)

Honorees

• Amanda Kasuyama, Oak Intermediate School, Temple City Unified
• Amy Ngo, Alhambra High School, Alhambra Unified
• Carina Quan, Dr. Doug Sears Learning Center, Temple City Unified
• Dottie Burkhart, Mark Keppel High School, Alhambra Unified
• Holly Lang, Marengo Elementary School, South Pasadena Unified
• Izumi Suzuki, Carver Elementary School, San Marino Unified
• Janae Williams, Highland Oaks Elementary, Arcadia Unified
• Jose Sanchez, Alhambra High School, Alhambra Unified
• Katy Chen, South Pasadena Middle School, South Pasadena Unified
• Kevin Tong, Alhambra High School, Alhambra Unified
• Kimberly Valentine, Moor Field Early Elementary Education, Alhambra Unified
• Lisa Clelland, LeGore Elementary, El Monte City School District
• Lucy Nargizyan, East Los Angeles College
• Minh Anderson, Temple Intermediate School, Garvey SD
• Riley Saxon, Temple City High School, Temple City Unified
• Scott Castroll, Garvey Intermediate School, Garvey SD

Assemblymember Mike Fong represents the 49^th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena and Temple City, and the unincorporated areas of Pasadena and San Gabriel.  He serves as the Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee and the Assembly Vice Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.