By Kelli Gile

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized exemplary students and community volunteers during the Feb. 19 meeting.

Westhoff Elementary 5^th Grader, Philbert Loekman, received the Super Star Student Award.

Loekman came to Westhoff as a kindergartner. All his teachers concur that he is a young man who works hard, stays positive, perseveres, and achieves his goal.

“Philbert is creative, asks good questions, and has great problem solving skills,” Principal Denise Rendon said.

While his teachers have certainly contributed to his success, it’s also greatly due to his hard work, drive to excel, and incredible amount of love and support from his parents and siblings.

“I believe it’s because of the partnership between his family and our school, and Philbert himself, that he has grown and matured into a confident, polite, high-achieving student that we can all be very proud of,” Rendon added. “He is one of Westhoff’s finest!”

Longtime Westhoff Elementary community member and talented artist, Shel Dominica, was honored with the Partner in Education Award.  The relationship began several years ago when her son Shane was a student. Dominica created and painted a “Where the Wild Things Are” wall mural on the school library. The featured teacher is WVUSD retiree, Ann Hedstrom, who is surrounded by former students, including the artist’s son.

“Shel quickly became a valuable resource. First as an involved parent and now as a treasured community partner,” said Rendon.

15 years ago, Dominica designed the first school logo for t-shirts that is still used today. Recently she repaired and repainted the Blue Ribbon logo and mural. Dominica has contributed banners for back-to school nights, Halloween parades, and Mrs. Nelson’s book club events. She is currently working on a dedication script for the school’s new walking labyrinth.

“Westhoff is very fortunate to have Shel as our Community Partner. But the real reason we love Shel is her quiet demeanor, her generosity, and her talent in creating our fabulous Westhoff wear.

The Board lauded Suzanne Middle School parent volunteers, Christina Kondo and Lenora Wong, with the Community Partner Award.

            “They both have been supportive parents and exemplary leaders for our community,” stated Principal Les Ojeda.

Kondo and Wong currently serve as co-presidents for the school’s Community Club. The organization plays a pivotal role in supplementing additional resources that the general budget cannot support.

“These ladies are often at our school site counting money, organizing events, and supporting our students with many activities they provide. They work exceptionally well with one another and bring a feeling of unity and hard work to the parent group,” Ojeda said.

Community Club supports numerous activities including 6^th Grade Renaissance Faire, Greek Festival, and Summit; 7^th Grade Science Assembly, Wildlife Learning Center; 8^th Grade Blue and White Tea, Summit, End of Year Picnic, Promotion, Science Olympiad, Math Counts, Reading Challenge, school-wide assemblies, Spring Musical, Binder Reminders, teacher support funds, and even new benches for the lunch area. A successful booster drive helped raise close to $70,000 for the school.

“Thank you both for your dedication, commitment, and of the time you spent working at our school. You have truly made a positive difference for all our students and teachers!” Ojeda added.

The Board presented Suzanne Middle School 8^th Grader, Jocelyn Nakamine, with the Super Star Student Award.

“Jocelyn has a heart of gold,” Ojeda commented. “What stands out the most about Jocelyn is her passion to help others and make a difference in their lives.”

The teen often spends time reaching out to kids on campus that look sad or lonely.

“She will simply sit and get to know them for a bit and make sure the conversation ends with a smile,” Ojeda explained.

Nakamine is a member of the Elite Leadership class. Her committee work focuses on activities that inspire unity and friendship. She recently led the Hot Cocoa Chatter event that helped students get to know each other.

“It was a difficult task that required tons of planning, hard work, and even running with cups of cocoa!  But she executed it flawlessly, demonstrating true leadership ability.” Ojeda said.

Peers have written about Nakamine in their leadership journals as an example of a true leader. Many admire how hard she worked to improve volleyball skills before the season began. She is a constant source of encouragement during practice and games.

Ojeda shared a tribute from leadership teacher, Kristina Natividad.

“When filling out student recommendations, the highest level on the rating scale is top 10 in a teacher’s career,” she explained. “In the past ten years, I have checked that box maybe once. Without hesitation, I would choose that explanation for Jocelyn Nakamine.”