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EDC School Board and Community Members Recognized
00:00 AM - March 25, 2019
2019 EDCSBA Annual Awards Dinner at the Cold Springs Country Club.
At an awards ceremony on March 4, the El Dorado County School Boards Association (EDCSBA) recognized school board and community members for their 2018 contributions. County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ed Manansala, facilitated the presentations and noted, “This room is filled with hope, promise, and individuals who give tirelessly for the betterment of El Dorado County schools and students. Congratulations to all of our winners tonight!”
Awards were presented in five different categories:
Educational Statesmanship: Misty DiVitorrio, Placerville Union School District, is an advocate for public education in the community and was recognized for her efforts towards enriching and improving the educational experience for all students.
Leader in Boardsmanship: Lori Veerkamp, El Dorado Union High School District (EDUHSD), was honored for making significant contributions to her board by providing community leadership on educational issues and advocating on behalf of students and public education.
Outstanding Community Organization: Kiwanis Club of Placerville, El Dorado Forestry Challenge, Ponderosa High School Foundation, and Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference were presented awards for their notable contribution of time and financial support to education; effective collaboration with education and community leaders; development of innovative solutions to complex challenges facing public education; and active involvement in the community.
Outstanding Community Members/Volunteers: Tillie Douglas (Camino Union School District), Clay Abajian (Rescue Union School District - RUSD) posthumous award presented to MC Abajian, and Barbara Jensen (RUSD) were presented awards for their steadfast commitment to our schools. They developed innovative programs, donated countless hours, and have gone above and beyond to ensure our students grow beyond the classroom.
Lifetime Achievement: Kirk Seal (Buckeye Union School District), Todd White (EDUHSD), and John Parker (Mother Lode Union School District) were presented Lifetime Achievement awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to outgoing or retiring trustees who have served eight or more years; are recognized for their years of ongoing commitment to the students of El Dorado County; and have been faithful stewards of our schools, exercising great influence that will impact students for generations.
Guest speakers shared promising stories about creating cultures of community and strength. Caitlyn Douglas and William Smith, Camino School 7th-grade students, explained how the AVID Program has empowered them to be servant leaders. They also orchestrated a “Kindness Rocks” activity for the evening where attendees wrote notes of encouragement on small rocks to be delivered to schools affected by the recent Camp Fire in Paradise. Chic Bist, Union Mine Varsity Football Coach, passionately spoke of his inclusive, special education programs that teach individuals that all students matter. Monica Brown and Amy Niess, teachers at Chico Unified School District and Orland Unified School District, explained how in two weeks, their “Color a Classroom with Love” efforts collected classroom supplies and allowed teachers in Paradise to return to learning environments ready to teach students.
“We thank our speakers who opened their hearts and shared their personal stories this evening. I’m grateful to everyone for making El Dorado County such a special place for all students,” expressed Dr. Manansala.