Tag Archives: walnut

Students Take Top Awards in National Math Olympiad

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – More than fifty students from Suzanne Middle School joined nearly 150,000 students in the United States during the 2017-18 Math Olympiad.

 

The annual contest enables “mathletes” to challenge themselves and to compete against other students nationwide.

 

Math Olympiad is comprised of five monthly contests held from November through March, each containing five high-level math problems.

 

For the first time ever, Suzanne 7th and 8th grade students scored in the top 10% of all teams in their division nationwide earning a highest team achievement award.

 

The 6th through 8th grade students also competed among schoolmates during nationwide challenge.

 

Eighth grader Joshua Hsu earned the title of top school winner with a perfect score of 25. He was awarded the individual George Lenchner Award of Excellence.

 

Additionally, Joshua received a 1st place trophy and gold pin signifying his outstanding top 2% in the nation score.

 

Seventh grader Chandrark Mudddana took the 2nd place award and silver pin for scoring in the top 10% nationally.

 

Eighth graders Daniel Ji and Deven Tseng tied for the 3rd place award scoring in the top 10% nationally.

 

The top 6th grade winners were Lucas He and Louis Xie, both scoring in the top 10% nationally. They earned 1st place trophies and silver pins.

 

Second place winners Adora Ma and Harris Song also scored in the top 10% nationally and earned silver pins.

 

Phillip Chen took the 3rd place award and recognition patch for scoring in the top 25% nationally.

 

In addition, several 7th and 8th grade students were honored for their high scores.

 

Serena Huang, Benjamin Jin, Lewis Lui, and Kevin Yu scored in the top 10% nationally and received silver pins.

 

David Hu, Bella Liu, Andrew Shi, Max Eibert, and Eric Wang scored in the top 20% nationally and received silver pins.

 

Oscar Chen and Siarra Huang scored in the top 25% nationally and received patches.

 

Allison Lin and Joseph Shen scored in the top 30% nationally.

 

Jayaraman Donath, Kevin Zeng, Matthew Carreon, Andrea Florendo and Ella Lin scored in the top 40% nationally.

 

Megan So, Andrew Wang, and Aaron Zhang scored in the top 50% of the nation.

 

Several 6th grade students were recognized for their high scores.

 

Andrew Qi, Nathan Chung, Aidan Do and Eric Tsou scored in the top 40% nationally. Vito Lin and Lorraine Wu scored in the top 50% nationally.

 

Congratulations Suzanne Middle School students and coach Amy Erickson.

 

Suzanne MS Students Join Special Olympics

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Blue Ribbon Day! Four Suzanne Middle School student-athletes participated in the Special Olympics Southern California held May 18 at John Muir High in Pasadena.

By Kelli Gile 

WALNUT – Four Suzanne Middle School student-athletes participated in the Special Olympics Southern California held May 18 at John Muir High in Pasadena.

 

Several months before the games, the children began training with adapted physical education (APE) teacher Greg Sasaki.

 

“Preparing is its own challenge,” said special education teacher Melanie Kobayashi.

 

The children had to learn that the very loud sound from the starter pistol was the cue to begin racing.

 

“Loud sounds can be very disturbing to people with autism and the students had to get accustomed to that and react appropriately,” she explained.

 

The racers learned how to take their place at the starter line and run in the lane, focusing on themselves, not the stranger competing next to them, all the way to the finish line.

 

And they had to do it with hundreds of unfamiliar faces around them in a place they had never been before.

 

All four students participated in either a 25-meter walk or run earning the highest reward – a 1st Place blue ribbon.

 

They also received green participation ribbons in the softball throw event.

 

To prepare for the ball throw, they had to learn to step and throw overhand from behind the line.

 

“They were amazing!” Kobayashi shared.

 

“It was a lot of work and they made us very proud!”

 

Walnut Valley Tapped For New National Award

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Walnut Valley Unified School District will be honored with a new national recognition as a Schools to Watch District on June 30.

 

The award celebrates Walnut Valley’s dedication to providing an exemplary educational experience for students.

 

In the past two years, all three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – earned the prestigious Schools to Watch designation for demonstrating academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents, and social equity.

 

These model schools have been recognized at the state and national level and have become examples for middle schools across the country.

 

Walnut Valley is among only eight school districts in California and 17 in the nation that have earned this distinction.

 

“This is truly a compliment and a reflection of the commitment, dedication, and pride that all of our teachers, classified employees, support staff, administrators, board members, and personnel commissioners have placed in our 15 schools and our wonderful school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

The Schools to Watch District award will be presented by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in Washington D.C.

 

IB Students Present Exhibitions

Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Groups research topics of their choice based on modern-day issues including climate change, poverty, GMOs, and cyber bullying for the year-end IB Exhibitions.

By Kelli Gile 

WALNUT – Castle Rock and Cyrus J. Morris Elementary 5th grade students present collaborative inquiry-based research projects during the culminating weeks of their K-5 learning experience.

 

Students use IB skills, attitudes, and attributes acquired through the elite Primary Years Programme.

 

Groups research topics of their choice based on modern-day issues including climate change, poverty, GMOs, and cyber bullying for the year-end IB Exhibitions.

 

For the past three months, groups worked on exhibition projects with the support of mentor volunteer teachers.

 

Each plan was well-researched and thoughtfully prepared as the students took turns publicly sharing results at the microphone while incorporating the use of visual displays, posters, and multimedia presentations.

 

A six-person team at Castle Rock took on the impact that cell phones make on society and presented their findings in the comprehensive report for attentive parents and family members.

 

The group’s lines of inquiry included effects on people, effects on society, different types of usage, and effect on ecosystem.

 

Cell phones effect the ways people communicate with each other and types of usage include banking, job searches, maps, online shopping, social media, and more, the poised hosts explained.

 

“Cell phones can help people find jobs and connect with the world,” said Emily Zhao.

 

The students also presented a video survey of schoolmates and staff along with tips to reduce radiation exposure during usage during the May 24 exhibition.

 

“Try to keep phones at least an inch away from the neck or use Bluetooth,” suggested Fang Hong Foo.

 

For the project’s action plan, the team posted “Cell Phone Free Zone” signs along the school drop-off zone.

 

“We’re hoping parents will stay off their phones!” said Angel Wei.

 

“Texting and driving increases the chance of traffic incidents,” added Michael Wu.

 

A group of C.J. Morris students worked hard investigating the effects of terrorism for their exhibition project.

 

“There’s been so much damage around the world,” commented Marcos Davaloz.

 

The children fielded questions from parents after the May 17 presentation.

 

“We can enhance security to make it harder to smuggle in bombs,” said Diego Suviate responding to an inquiry about methods to stop the attacks.

 

For the culminating action plan, students sold water and fruit drinks for a dollar during recess.

 

“We decided to donate to the Washington Institute which helps end terrorism around the world,” explained Audrey Chavarin proudly reporting the team collected over $22.

Mt. SAC Board Appoints Provisional Trustee

ByAnthony Saude

WALNUT — The Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees selected Walnut resident Gary Chow to serve as a provisional trustee, replacing longtime member Dr. David Hall who passed away on April 22.

The appointment was voted on and made official following a special meeting on June 13. The candidates were given 20 minutes to answer questions about community service experience, familiarity with budgets of complex public entities and interacting with diverse populations.

Before the 5-1 vote, Board President Dr. Manuel Baca said, “On behalf of all of the trustees, we thank those who applied. Any one of them would have been an asset to the board.”

Chow will represent Area 2, which includes Covina, West Covina, north Walnut, and San Dimas. He will serve until the next regularly scheduled election for governing board members on November 6.

Chow is a CPA and serves as chair of Walnut Valley Unified School District’s bond oversight committee. He also sits on Mt. SAC’s Community Facilities Plan Advisory Committee and acts as the financial advisor for the Mt. SAC Foundation.

Seven applications of highly qualified individual that met all eligibility criteria to apply for the position were received by the college. In addition to Chow, the following six residents applied:

Michael Miller Brown (Walnut), Alan A. Carrico (West Covina), Mansfield Collins (Walnut), Ruth Luevand (San Dimas), Rosalyn Phan (Covina), Drexel L. Smith (West Covina).

The Board of Trustees is the policy-making body of the college; it consists of seven elected community members representing seven districts and one student trustee.

 

Walnut Knock Knock Burglary Suspects Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – On June 11, Walnut Diamond Bar Station Sheriff’s station received a call about a burglary in the 19800 block of Hidden Trail Place. When the deputies arrived at the scene they quickly alerted other units with a description of the vehicle and the suspects. A nearby Aero unit (helicopter) was dispatched and was able to locate the vehicle, a brown Porsche SUV with paper plates. The vehicle was traveling westbound on the 60 freeway at speeds estimated to be as high as 90 mph. Aero informed the California Highway Patrol and East Los Angeles Station of the vehicles whereabouts.

During the chase, the vehicle collided with a large delivery truck and became inoperable on the southbound 710 freeway at Gage Avenue. All three of the suspects in the car ran from vehicle and into a car repair shop in the 5400 block of Gage Avenue in Bell Gardens. Containment was established by East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station deputies with assistance from Compton Sheriff’s Station, LASD County Services Bureau and The Bell Gardens Police Department. A search for the suspects began using resources from the LASD Special Weapons Team and they were able locates all three suspects in a relatively short period of time. .
The efficiency shown by the work the police put in shows that collaborative support and communication is sometimes needed in high risk situations. The incident is still under investigation by handling detectives. Another job well done by all who were involved!  The Walnut Station has experienced a rash of burglaries in the area during the summer and is urging residents to be more intentional about their safety and report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information about this incident or witnesses are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595-2264. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP, or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired, on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

For full details, view this message on the web.

 

Trustees Recognize Star Students and Parents

Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Board Members Layla Abou-Taleb, Dr. Tony Torng, Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, Helen Hall, and Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor recognize Coordinating Council President Lily Eibert for dedicated service to the Walnut Valley Unified School District.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT — The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized exemplary students and parent volunteers from Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools during the May 16 meeting.

 

Diamond Bar High senior Marisa Umeh was honored with the Super Star Student Award. Marisa has a passion for filmmaking and publishing. She created a film about women’s health at the Girls Impact the World Film Festival organized by the Harvard Social Innovation Collaboration. Last summer, Marisa was selected to attend the Women’s Science STEAM Initiative in Malawi, Africa as a U.S. Department of State Youth Ambassador. Marisa serves on the Junior State of America State Cabinet, yearbook editor, mock trial team, and hosts a web series titled #LikeHer in which she interviews influential women in typically male-dominated fields. She will attend UC Berkeley and plans to work in international human rights law and virtual reality corresponding.

 

Parent Rachel Chang received the Partner in Education Award. Rachel has served as the Mag 7 President for the past four years.  Mag 7 is the parent organization that coordinates the school’s seven parent groups:  Brahma Boosters, CAAP, CAPA, HOPE, KAPA, SAPA, and Brahma Foundation. Rachel has helps support Open House, Rodeo Round-Up, Back-to-School Night, Staff Appreciation Luncheon, and many more school activities. She has also served as president of the Korean American Parent Association (KAPA) for the past six years. KAPA has donated numerous supplies for the school including microphones for classrooms and monitors for front office. “Rachel is truly a partner at Diamond Bar High and helps us in so many ways!” said Principal Rueben Jones.

 

Walnut High senior Adam Ng received the Super Star Student Award. Adam is an extremely motivated, academically driven, and disciplined student. His rigorous academic program and campus activities are a testament to his maturity and focus. Brandon has been involved in FBLA, Model of United Nations, Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, Class of 2018 President, Varsity Basketball, MIT Launch club and Health Occupations Students of America. As the Inland Section President of FBLA, he has created a liaison system for 32 schools in the Inland Empire. Adam is the southern California Area 7 Director of the Rotary Interact Organization, CEO of the “For All Mankind” club, and President of the WHS Hoops4Hope club and FBLA. “Adam’s service club involvement is spectacular!” said Principal Brandon Dade. Adam aspires to work in public policy or corporate law. He hopes to become an attorney and eventually an ambassador for the government.

 

Walnut High parent Sammy Lee was honored with the Partner in Education Award for her involvement with the Korean American Parent Association (KAPA). Over the last three years KAPA has graciously provided the school with monetary donations, gift baskets, and staff appreciation events. Sammy hosted and coordinated this year’s Staff Holiday Party that featured entertainment, food, goodie bags, and wonderful hospitality. “Thank you for giving so generously during this past school year. I know your time is valuable and your willingness to contribute to Walnut High School staff shows your commitment to the well-being of your child and all of our students,” Dade said. “The efforts of volunteers like you are a vital part of our community!”

 

Coordinating Council President Lily Eibert received a special recognition from the Board of Trustees. “Lily has been the leader of all of our parents for the past two years,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “I believe we have the strongest parent support and involvement of any school district in the entire state.” Board President Cindy Ruiz lauded Lily for the growth of Coordinating Council under her “amazing” leadership. “I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with Lily during the past few years.  She goes above and beyond not only for the school district but for the community!”

 

 

Walnut Valley Schools Make State Honor Roll

The 2017-2018 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT —After an extensive analysis of student data for every public school in California, the following Walnut Valley USD schools have been recognized as clear leaders in getting students to grade level and beyond: Collegewood Elementary, Cyrus J. Morris Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Quail Summit Elementary, South Pointe Middle, Suzanne Middle, Walnut Elementary, and Walnut High.

 

These schools have been named to the 2017-2018 California Honor Roll presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE).

 

The 2017-2018 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps. For high schools, Honor Roll recognition includes high college readiness in students.

 

This year, 1,798 higher performing schools are distinguished for their academic achievement and for closing achievement gaps.

 

“These Honor Roll schools and districts are improving student achievement and we have the data to prove it. It’s critical that the business community support and promote educational success as today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce,” said Greg Jones, ERP and CBEE board chairman.

 

Diamond Bar, Walnut High Schools America’s Best!

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Hats off to teachers at Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools for grabbing medals in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School rankings for 2018.

The annual list looks at nearly all public high schools in the country – more than 20,500 in all – to sift out the best with an eye on college readiness.

Diamond Bar High earned a gold medal, ranking 59th in California and 376th in the United States.  Additionally, Diamond Bar placed 146th in STEM high schools.

Walnut High earned a silver medal, ranking 111th in California and 639th in the United States.

Both standout schools have been included in the report every year since the publication began its ‘Best High Schools’ search in 2009.

U.S. News looked at overall student performance on state-required tests, high school graduation rates, and evaluated on how they prepare students for college using participation and performance data from AP and IB exams.

Diamond Bar and Walnut offer an extensive roster of IB and AP courses to provide teens with an opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level course work during high school.

This year, 85 California schools received gold medals, 439 received silver medals and 82 received bronze medals.

“I’m so proud that our premier high schools continue to be recognized on a state and national level for preparing students for college and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

Police Investigation At Diamond Ranch High School

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – The Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station is aware of a social media post depicting a generalized threat to Diamond Ranch High School.  The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department takes every single threat, comment and/or “rumor” seriously.  Each incident will be investigated thoroughly by our station personnel.

Station detectives are currently investigating the potential threat and are working with the school administration to help ensure the safety and security of students and staff. Patrols have been increased in the area in order to show a high visibility of officer presence. There will be dedicated personnel that will remain on the Diamond Ranch High School campus for the duration of the school day.

LASD Walnut Diamond Bar station wants to thank every parent, faculty member and student that took part in making them aware of the incident. The station is very dedicated to work hand in hand with the community, and school administration to help provide the safest learning environment for all of our students.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Walnut Diamond Bar Station at (909)595-2264. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your Smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

WVUSD Parents, Community Members Shine at Gala

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT– A stellar group of Walnut Valley Unified School District volunteers and community members were honored during the A Night of the Stars gala held April 26 at the Diamond Bar Center.

 

The 4th bi-annual event, sponsored by the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, lauded exemplary parents, alumni, business, education, leadership, and service partners.

 

“It is an honor having the opportunity to celebrate so many wonderful people tonight,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

“Thank you so much for helping make Walnut Valley such an incredible school district!”

 

Distinguished parent partner awards were presented to Mike Ramirez – Castle Rock Elementary, Karen Motus – Cyrus J. Morris Elementary, Betsy Castellano – Collegewood Elementary, Ling Yeung– Evergreen Elementary, Richard Nakama – Quail Summit Elementary, Carolyne Morris – Maple Hill Elementary, Melissa Hanson – Vejar Elementary, April Alvarado – Walnut Elementary, Melinda Powell – Westhoff Elementary, Terri Lotto, Carrie Cheng, Ray and Carol Gonzales – Chaparral Middle School, Gordon Mize – South Pointe Middle School, David Morales – Suzanne Middle School, Wanda Tanaka – Diamond Bar High, Pastor Donald R. Gridiron and Gloria G. Gridiron – Ron Hockwalt Academies,

and Raymond and Kary Wong – Walnut High.

 

Distinguished partner awards were presented to Ryan O’Shea MD, Diamond Bar High Class of 2003 – Alumni, SolarMAX Technology, Ching Liu – Business Partner, Nancy Hogg and Denis Paul – Community Partners, Walnut Valley Secondary Music Programs: Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools, Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne Middle Schools – Education Partners, Walnut Valley Financing Corporation – Leadership Partner, and Walnut Valley Kiwanis Club – Service Partner.

 

“After hearing all the accomplishments shared about our honorees, the term ‘it takes a village’ is truly felt here,” said Board President Cindy Ruiz who emceed the presentations with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matthew Witmer.

 

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

The celebration of education also featured music by the Diamond Bar High Commercial Music Program.

 

The Kenneth Goodson Memorial Scholarship was introduced in honor of the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services who passed away in February.

 

The event concluded with a surprise Distinguished Leader recognition for Dr. Taylor as Superintendent of the Year.

 

“I can’t tell you how long we’ve kept this a secret!” Ruiz added.

 

“It took all these people on stage to come together, including the School Board, Employee Associations, Parent Organizations, and Educational Foundation to pull this off!” Ruiz said.

 

Star parents were honored for generously giving their time and talents to benefit students and schools.

 

Three years ago, Cyrus J. Morris Elementary honoree and school alumnus Karen Motus was motivated to spearhead and lead a Science Olympiad team because her children, Kaylee and Elonzo, love science.

 

“I stayed on as coach because I have been surrounded by students, faculty, and families who enjoy learning about STEAM and the importance of teamwork!” she said.

 

April Alvarado has been involved in every event at Walnut Elementary during the past seven years. She volunteers to be a room parent for classrooms when they don’t have one – even though her children aren’t in that class.

 

“She never hesitates to help,” lauded Principal Robert Chang.

 

Chaparral Middle School band booster parents Terri Lotto, Carrie Cheng, Ray and Carol Gonzales were honored successfully fundraising over $20,000 this year to support out-of-state competitions. They arrive daily to stock, catalog, and sell snacks from the after-school band store.

 

“The contributions of these three families represent the commitment of this wonderful group of supporters to music, and to the Chaparral band program!” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.

 

Rich Nakama volunteers in the Quail Summit Elementary library, virtual desktop (VDI) lab, playground area, and is the logistics person for the Carnival.

 

“Rich is always the first to arrive and last to leave!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

 

David Hall Passes Away

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – It is with great sadness we mourn the passing of the Regional Chamber of Commerce

San Gabriel Valley Board Chair/President, Dr. David Hall, he fought courageously during his long battle with cancer.

 

David K. Hall, 72, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018, he was surrounded by friends and loved ones.

 

David was born on July 16, 1945 in Coffeyville, Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1966, David was a dedicated Jayhawk sports fan his entire life. He obtained his doctorate in political science from Stanford University. David enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War years, there he taught at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After his years in the service he taught at Brown University and at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. In the early 90’s he changed life direction and moved to Los Angeles, joining Hitchcock Automotive Resources.

 

David’s long list of professional accomplishments and accolades are remarkable but his community and public service efforts are what defined him in his life. As a longtime elected Trustee for Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, David mentored countless students and helped transform the college. He always made time to meet with students privately, advise them on career paths and participate in campus events. Annually, he’d even perform in some of the on campus stage shows to help raise funds for student scholarships.

 

Everything David committed to he did with dedication, passion in an approachable, coachable and infectious way. His sense of humor was contagious allowing him to elicit laughter even in tense situations. He was a practical joker, never missing a chance to play a trick on a close friend or colleague. Endearingly, he found his own antics very funny.

 

David was so many things to so many people: a teacher, a friend, a confidant, a mentor, a public servant, a philanthropist, a partner and a leader. While his soul is laid to rest, his legacy lives on.

David is Survived by his Fiancé Earnestine Tu, and his two brothers Bruce and Roger Hall.

 

A close friend of David’s, Michael Armijo said,” He had a strong genuine concern for the community, he was constantly trying to help people and he gave his heart to the residents. He was like a brother to me, he always made time”.

 

Celebration of Life services will be held at Mt. San Antonio College on May 11th at 9:30 am in the Clark auditorium.

 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Dr. David K. Hall Business Scholarship

 

Walnut Students Complete PTLW Biomedical Sciences Program

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—For 20 Walnut High School seniors, years of tremendous dedication and hard work in a rigorous biomedical sciences program they began as sophomores have paid finally off.

The teens were presented with white lab coats and honor medallions marking the completion of the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme/Project Lead the Way (IBCP-PLTW) Biomedical Sciences Program.

“I’m excited, I’ve been waiting for this day for three years!” said Samuel Chien, 18, before the White Coat Ceremony held Tuesday evening.

Congratulations to the following Class of 2018 honorees: Jordyn Arce, Chriselle Badua, Brian Chang, Selena Chen, Kevin Cheng, Samuel Chien, Jocelyn Do, Isaac Duran, Emily Gehringer, Audrey Kuo, Alicia Lu, Michael Lu, Arianha Montelongo, Jodee-Anne Pagusan, Janelle Pham, Gina Pinsakul, Omar Sultan, Aryaman Trikala, Aaron Tsay, and Brandon Tueng.

“These students are remarkable and exemplify why we have the best IBCP-PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program in the state,” said instructional dean Barbie Cole.

Additionally, three students received special awards for displaying exemplary effort during the course of the program: Brandon Yeung – Enthusiastic Learner, Samuel Chien – Excellence in Biomedical Science, and Chriselle Badua – Exemplary IB Learner.

PLTW teachers Chiara Morgan, Bryn Schultz, and Ellie Blanchard presented awards during the event attended by families, staff, and District officials.

The Walnut High students displayed knowledge, ability, and aptitude in the area of biomedical science.

Brandon Yueng said he discovered his career path during the program. The 17-year-old is looking at going into anesthesiology or cardiology.

“While we were studying the human body systems I did really well on the heart and circulation. So, I started getting more interested and then learned about it in our career journals,” he said.

Walnut High has also been selected as a 2018 PLTW Distinguished High School. The award is designed to honor schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in the PTLW program.
Since launching in 2013, Walnut High has remained the only school in the state to offer both IBCP with the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program as its career-related component.

There are currently only 179 IBCP schools worldwide, 96 in the United States, and three in California.

Being a part of this program has meant a lot to this group, Chien added.

“We’ve been together in so many classes, not just the IBCP program, and we’ve developed great friendships!”

The program requires students to complete four biomedical science courses and two IB diploma courses with end-of-year exams in each. Students also complete a personal and professional skills course, numerous service-learning projects, and a written reflective project.

The white lab coat is the distinctive dress of the biomedical scientist. Receiving or wearing the coat denotes that the wearer is not only deserving of the respect for his profession, but also an ethical, learned person of science.

 

Collegewood 2nd graders celebrate Earth Day

 Kelli Gile

WALNUT —Second graders at Collegewood Elementary paid tribute to Mother Earth with a day of “outdoor school” on April 22.

About 100 students rotated through stations while learning about recycling, repurposing, and more.

“Our kids need to practice Earth Day every day so that their future will be clean and bright!” said teacher Betsy Hale.

The youngsters planted herb and flower seeds in empty milk cartons and crafted simple bird feeders from pipe cleaners and cereal rounds to hang on trees and bushes on campus.

“They love watering the plants and watching them grow!” shared teacher Elvonne Vance.

Teacher Stephanie Johnson offered a lesson on water cycles using sandwich bags and food coloring that she found on Pinterest.

“I had them draw a water line at the bottom of the Ziploc and a sun at the top to begin the science experiment,” she explained.

Each student filled the bottom of the baggie with water and then carefully squeezed in a couple drops of blue dye before taping to a window.

The food coloring would enable them see the water evaporate in the warm sunlight, condense back into liquid, and fall back down in the form of precipitation after a few days.

The youngsters also created Earth Day posters using paper bags with handles, old crayons, paper scraps, and art pastels.

“Take care of the Earth, we only have one!” wrote Paloma Pasquil.

“We should take care of our Earth every day,” added Danika Pe.

The activities covered all curricular areas including math, science, reading, writing, and art.

The children enjoyed games of golf and croquet on the grass while listening to ecology-themed songs

“It was good old-fashioned play – no electronics!” said Hale who even received a couple thank you notes afterward.

“Events like this are remembered!” she exclaimed.

 

Mt. SAC to Honor Twenty Students of Distinction

By Anthony Saude

WALNUT – Twenty students will be honored this year at Mt. San Antonio College’s annual “Students of Distinction” awards ceremony. The luncheon will take place on Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Pacific Palms Resort, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, in the City of Industry.

These prestigious awards recognize selected students for their competitive, academic, and personal achievements as well as their outstanding service to the college. Recipients of this year’s Academic Achievement Award, which is awarded to students who have maintained a minimum 3.75 GPA, are Matthew McBride of West Covina, Kevin Schmitt of Diamond Bar, Samantha Alvarez of Chino, Myriam Hakimeh of San Dimas, Daniel Garcia of Ontario, and Edilberto Ylo of Walnut.

Recipients of the Service Achievement Award, who provided exceptional volunteer service to their college and their community and also maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA, are Corey Case of Chino, Maricela Aviles of La Puente, and Mohsin Moosa of Diamond Bar.

The Personal Achievement Award is given to those students who have overcame personal hardship while still maintaining a minimum 2.75 GPA. This year’s winners are Sandra Nunez of West Covina, Geovanna Castillo Lopez of Chino, Tera Vaughn of Rancho Cucamonga, Xingyi (Mirana) Cao of Chino Hills, Mickey Qiu of West Covina, Seya Guerrero of Rowland Heights, and Amanada Frausto of Chino.

The Competitive Achievement award is presented to those who earned a minimum 3.0 GPA and earned distinction for success as part of a competitive student group or team. The students who will receive the award this year are Amir Freeman of Pomona, Kyle Beck of Rancho Cucamonga, Angelica Cruz of Covina, and Ryon Knowles of Corona.

If you are interested in attending this year’s ceremony and luncheon, tickets cost $20 and must be purchased by May 7 through Mt. SAC’s Student Life Office. You can contact them at (909) 274-4525.

 

Walnut City Sheriff Department Chinese Program

Staff Reports

Walnut – Starting on Thursday, May 17th, 2018, the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Institute will come to the Walnut station to provide Chinese (Mandarin) language classes. The classes will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and held downstairs in the training room.  The class will meet every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The class is FREE to attend and will go on for 12 weeks.  

The class is open to all personnel (sworn, civilian, volunteers, reserves, explorers, etc.).  For more information, please contact Deputy Louis Denver at ladenver@lasd.org or 626-913-1715 to fill out a registration form.

Former Surgeon General to Speak at Mt. SAC Health Conference

Staff Reports

 

WALNUT–– Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, will be the keynote speaker at Mt. San Antonio College’s 12th Annual Health Professions Conference on Friday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at various locations on campus. Sponsored by the Mt. SAC Caduceus Club, the Health Professions Conference is open to the public and geared toward students interested in careers in the health and medical fields.

Appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002, Carmona served as Surgeon General until his term expired in 2006. As Surgeon General, he released a landmark report on the health effects of secondhand smoke. Throughout his life, he has served in various positions in the medical field, including as a paramedic, registered nurse, and physician. He has served as chairman of the Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System, CEO for the Pima County health care system, and was a professor of medicine at the University of Arizona. He worked as a deputy sheriff for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and served as medical director of the county’s police and fire departments. In 2012, he ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona.

More than 800 participants are expected at the 12th Annual Health Professions, which will feature will feature workshops, interactive demonstrations, focus groups, an education fair, and displays. Representatives from major medical research centers such as UC Irvine, UCLA, and USC will be on hand, and a wide range of health professions will be covered, including surgery, dentistry, pharmacy, neurology, pediatric medicine, occupational therapy, and veterinary medicine.

The Mt. SAC Caduceus Club is a student club that promotes careers in the health and medical fields.

Tickets for the conference are $37 until April 16 and advanced registration is encouraged.

 

For more information and to register, visit http://www.mtsacpremed.org.

 

WVUSD Celebrates Stellar Students And Volunteers

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Each month, Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees celebrates hard-working students and dedicated community members.

During the March 14 meeting, Evergreen and Maple Hill Elementary leaders took to the podium to introduce their hand-picked honorees.

Evergreen fifth grader Luis Bartolo received the Super Star Student Award.

“Luis is always so positive and friendly to everyone he meets,” said Principal Trina Dryer recalling when a first grader visited his special education class for social lessons.

“Luis was chosen to walk the student back to his class and they could be seen holding hands, talking away as they walked and skipped down the hall. It truly showed Luis’s leadership and his caring for others!” she said.

Luis is also brave and willing to try new things even though he might afraid or anxious, Dryer said.

He recently went on a field trip to an equestrian center and was able to ride a horse successfully.

And at the recent Talent Show, Luis performed a song all by himself in front of an audience of over 650 students.  This is something that most people would not do!

“Luis, your Evergreen family is so proud of all your growth and accomplishments. We are going to miss you next year when you go to middle school!”

Mike Yamashiro and Ken Tragarz were honored with Partner in Education Awards.

During the annual Open House, the Walnut High School Astronomy Club, under the direction of teacher Mike Yamashiro, hosts a Star Party and Ken Tragarz with the Boy Scout Troop 737 cook up peach cobbler and other desserts in Dutch ovens.

“The Star Party has been a fun addition to our Open House event for the past six years,” Dryer said.

Families get to look through huge telescopes at the night sky.  There are usually lines of people waiting for their special turn to peer at the stars and planets.

The` Boy Scouts offer their delicious desserts and hot chocolate free of charge.

“They are quickly taken and eaten. I never get any!” Dryer said.

“We are very grateful to Mike, the Astronomy Club, Ken with the Boy Scout Troop for volunteering their time and hard work to make it an even more special evening!”

Maple Hill Elementary fifth grader Ethan McNeil was lauded with the Super Star Student Award.

“Ethan is a legacy who has paved his own way with his kind heart, strong mind, and great spirit,” shared Principal Kelly Morris.

He is compassionate, selfless, a talented athlete, and champion for kids that are underdogs.

“In class, he is like a Jedi – focused, disciplined, enthusiastic, and motivated,” Morris said.

“And all of his teachers will 100% agree that he has a heart of gold!”

When his grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, Ethan was compelled to advocate and support others affected with cancer.

With his sister’s help, Ethan created a school fundraising campaign that raised $1,500 for the WVUSD Relay for Life.

“Gentle souls like Ethan will be the calm force that the world needs to be a better place. And how lucky are we to be the village that’s helping to raise this stellar human being!” Morris said.

Parent volunteer and “everyday superhero” Steve Samaniego was honored with the Partner in Education Award.

The dedicated volunteer has run three reading groups every Monday morning for the past four years.

“He has positively impacted the lives of approximately 100 reluctant readers. But more importantly, he has had an impact on their hearts,” Principal Morris said.

During a 2nd grade musical, Steve was in the audience watching his daughter Vera perform, and during the opening number it was obvious that one student from his morning reading group was anxiously scanning the audience in search of his parents. At first, despair washed over his face, but within one small moment his sorrow turned into elation.

“I assumed that he spotted his parents, but when I peered over the many cameras, I saw that boy was looking directly at Mr. Samaniego who was giving him a thumbs-up, smiling ear to ear, and mouthing words of praise and encouragement,” Morris described.

“Mr. Samaniego isn’t just a parent who volunteers his time, he is a parent that volunteers his heart!”

 

Mt. SAC Students Named to State Academic Team

Staff Reports

WALNUT–– Mt. San Antonio College students Edilberto “Iggy” Ylo and Amir Freeman are two of the 83 community college students throughout the state recently selected for the 2018 All-California Academic teams, chosen by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society.

Ylo and Freeman, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, will receive medallions during the Community College League of California’s awards ceremony to be held at the Sacramento Convention Center on Apr. 2. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service.

Ylo, 20, is a nursing major and carries a 4.0 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic First Team. A Walnut resident, he is the president for the PTK chapter at Mt. SAC. He also works as a student assistant for the Honors Program. He has been nominated as one of Mt. SAC’s Students of Distinction this year. He hopes to transfer to Cal State L.A., go on to attend UCLA’s School of Medicine, and wants eventually to become a cardiologist.

Freeman, 19, is a political science major and carries a 3.94 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic Second Team. A Pomona resident, he has been involved in Mt. SAC’s student government as a student justice. He has also been a member of Mt. SAC’s forensics team and won medals at last year’s national speech championship. In addition, he volunteers for candidate Andy Thorburn’s run for the 39th congressional district. He hopes to transfer to Princeton and plans to become a lawyer.

There are 28 first-team, 28 second-team, and 29 third-team winners.

These students represent some of the best of the 2.1 million students enrolled in California’s community college system.

C.J. Morris 3rd Graders Go One-On-One With WVUSD Schools Chief

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor fielded questions from elementary students during an official town hall meeting on Tuesday.

About 100 inquisitive C.J. Morris assembled third graders were eager to learn about the role of the Walnut Valley USD leader.

The IB-PYP students have been studying about government and how it affects lives at the national, state, city, or school level, teacher Dave Boots said.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about how government works at the school level,” added IB coordinator Kelly Howard.

The children came prepared with questions about family, hometown, background in education, and role as superintendent, working with community and government, and more.

About 15 students took turns at the microphone and waited for the thoughtful responses during the hour-long event.

Dr. Taylor shared that his job is supporting all 15 schools in the District and then went on to describe the structure of the District.

“We have a School Board, Superintendent, which is me, District office with lots of people that support our schools, and our school sites with principals, teachers, and support staff.”

“We all work together for our students!” he added.

The assembled group wanted to know the best thing about being the superintendent.

“In the five years that I’ve been here in Walnut Valley, my favorite thing has been going out and visiting schools,” he said.

“Because I’m in education, I spend every day working with people – with kids like you, teachers, and principals. I like to find out all your interesting stories!”

Dr. Taylor also told the students that there have been more changes in education during the past five years than in the last 30 or 40 years.

“It’s been an exciting time to be part of that change and to see how successful things have gone here.”

The group of students also wanted some expert advice as they begin thinking about middle school and future careers.

“You’ll be well prepared for middle school because you’re learning how to study, how to do your homework, and projects. I would be excited, it will be great!”

“My one piece of advice I like to give young people is to find something you enjoy doing. If you find that, you’ll be happy!”

Truth Stovall asked the final question during the session held in the multipurpose room.

“What is your favorite color and why?” he said.

“My favorite color is green and here’s why: I told you I like sports and football. Raise your hand if you think you know who my favorite team is,” Dr. Taylor said.

“Green Bay Packers!” the children eagerly called out.

“I liked that Dr. Taylor came to our school and shared that to be successful students we need to be kind and have fun,” commented third grader Mia Veneracion after the event.