Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Justin Tran, a Maple Hill Elementary kindergartner, was honored as a Super Star Student on March 16. Shown with Principal Nancy Stingley, teacher Lisa Esse, librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen, family members, and Board President Helen Hall.

 By Kelli Gile

WALNUT– The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized four stellar students and community members during the March 16 meeting.

Maple Hill kindergartner Justin Tran was lauded with the Super Star Student Award.  Justin was recently named a winner in the “Ticket to Adventure” bookmark contest sponsored by the Los Angeles County Public Library. Each fall, students submit original artwork in the K-12 competition.

“Justin is the only kindergartener that won,” exclaimed librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen.  “This is a very big deal for our school – we haven’t had a winner in 11 years!”

“He is a wonderful student, extremely caring and compassionate, and gives 110% every day,” described teacher Lisa Delio.  “Justin is one of those little boys who will be a great leader in our community someday.  I am extremely proud of him. Justin is an all-around Maple Hill super star!” she added.

Justin passed out copies of his winning bookmark as a gift for the Board members and District officials.

Global Mission Church was honored with the Partner in Education Award. For the past two years, the Diamond Bar church has supported Maple Hill’s character education program by sponsoring an assembly, providing teacher materials, and purchasing over 500 books for students.

Last year, while the school was renovating its library, Global Mission Church stepped up and provided all new shelving in the two rooms. In addition, members donated over new 200 books for the library.

“We are so very proud to have them as our community partners!” said Principal Nancy Stingley.

Westhoff Elementary 5^th grader Bella Liu was recognized with the Super Star Student Award.

“Bella exemplifies all character traits taught at Westhoff,” said Principal Denise Rendon.  “Kindness and respect are ingrained in who she is as a person.”

Bella is a quiet leader who encourages classmates to do their best on a daily basis. She is humble, yet willing to take charge and get things done.

“The reason Bella shines is that she consistently makes the right choices – being safe, respectful, and responsible – with a smile on her face and joy in her heart,” Rendon added. “Bella will be a huge success next year at Suzanne Middle School.”

Westhoff volunteer Gary Chow, who has served as longtime advisor, mentor, and community partner, was honored with the Partner in Education Award.

Last year, Gary generously donated funds that helped launch the school’s robotic program for 4^th grade students.  He also helped to bring popular STEM program to 5^th graders through another donation made this year.

“It is rewarding to watch the progress of the students as they benefit from a second year of robotics,” said Rendon.

When Gary visits classes to watch student progress, the kids love to show off their tech skills.

“He has made our dream of providing our students a robotic curriculum that enriches and links them to middle school and beyond.  We are very grateful!” she added.