Walnut Valley Hosts Cornerstone Awards

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile) Mary Harms was crowned 2014 Classified Employee of the Year at the "A Class Act" Cornerstone Awards Gala on Feb. 19 (shown with Board Members Dr. Tony Torng, Helen Hall, Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, and Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Gayle Pacheco).

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Mary Harms was crowned 2014 Classified Employee of the Year at the “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards Gala on Feb. 19 (shown with Board Members Dr. Tony Torng, Helen Hall, Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, and Personnel Commissioners Ron Everett and Gayle Pacheco).

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District recognized a dozen outstanding employees during the 16th Annual “A Class Act” Cornerstone Awards Gala on Feb. 19, at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.

The Cornerstone Award recognizes exemplary classified (non-teaching) employees who have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” in providing outstanding customer service to the District and community.

Congratulations to the following 2014 Cornerstone Award honorees:  Mary Harms, Office Assistant (Evergreen Elementary); April Lee, Instructional Aide II-Bilingual/Bicultural (Suzanne Middle School); Judy Marinez, Office Assistant (Westhoff Elementary); Barbara Chin, Instructional Aide II Bilingual/Bicultural (Collegewood Elementary); Eric Guzman, Noon Aide (Collegewood Elementary); Sam Sornoso, Director (Maintenance, Operations, Transportation, Facilities); Gene Kennebrew, Lead Grounds Worker (Maintenance); Li Nai Chang, Bilingual/Bicultural Language Technician (Educational Services); Sunghee Lee, Bilingual/Bicultural Language Technician (Educational Services); Jon Jackson, Custodian II (Maple Hill Elementary); Robyn Craig, Staff Secretary (Ron Hockwalt Academies); and Cindy Franco, Instructional Aide II-Special Education (Collegewood Elementary).

“We really value our classified employees,” said Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor. “Tonight’s recipients represent the finest for 2014 out of more than 650 across the District.”  Honorees were lauded with personalized tributes and gifts.

Mary Harms was named the 2014 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the program.

“I’m so proud to be part of Walnut Valley,” Harms said. “I’ve worked at several school sites and always tell parents that every school is wonderful and so are the people. And I really mean it!”

Harms has been a familiar face in the District for many years as an active parent volunteer. She was hired in 2000 as a PIP/PALS intervention aide and provided vital support to at-risk students. She joined the staff at Evergreen in 2012. Harms is the ultimate professional and works tirelessly, while always maintaining a positive attitude. She helps set the tone for the school and makes everyone feel welcome and cared for.  Harms was nominated for the award by Principal, Carolyn Wills.

The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and WVUSD Personnel Commission co-sponsor the annual recognition event. Dr. Michelle Harold, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Robert Chang, Director of Human Resources, hosted the ceremony.

“Mary goes above and beyond for kids. I’ve seen her around our schools, in the community, and at church always helping people. She is a really great person and absolutely deserves this award!” said Gayle Pacheco, Personnel Commissioner and WVEF Board Member.

“Classified employees are exemplary representatives of the District. The heart of the Walnut Valley Unified School District is people like Mary,” Board President Larry Redinger stated.

Thank you to the following event sponsors: Schools First Federal Credit Union; Sandy Best; BB & T Insurance Services; Massage Envy; and LifeTouch Photography.