The Lakers are proud to announce December’s Student of the Month winners, Kelsey Brugger, Robert Hudson and Luke Wilmot and Teacher of the Month winners, Carole Martin, Robert Matulich and Michael Mitchell. This month’s winners demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Kelsey Brugger, an 11th grader at Redondo Union High School, is a member of the Principal’s Honor Roll, the California Scholarship Federation and is a scholar athlete. Kelsey plays tennis and basketball, participates in the Redondo Beach Youth Commission and founded the school’s broadcasting club. She also participates in Semper Comites, a service organization at Redondo High.

Robert Hudson, a 12th grader at San Pedro Community Day School, has improved his grades through the school’s occupational therapy training program and will attend college for the culinary arts in the fall. In addition to his work at school, Robert works part time for his local Boys & Girls Club and volunteers for his brother’s youth football team.

Luke Wilmot, a 5th grader at Beryl Heights Elementary School, has received many honors at school, including the Citizenship Award and the Honor Roll. Not only did he greatly improve his scores on standardized tests, but he continues his hard work by taking extra mathematics intervention courses after school. Luke also participates in his school’s kindergarten buddy program and the Boy Scouts of America.

Carole Martin, a 2nd through 5th grade teacher at Woodcrest School, has headed the gifted program at Woodcrest for the past 21 years! She is a constant presence at school as she volunteers to chaperone dances, assists with judging in the annual science fair and serves food at the school Bar-B-Que. She is a beloved teacher at Woodcrest and has many former students who come back to her for guidance and advice.

Robert Matulich, a 6th grade teacher at Ramona Elementary School, is always looking for new and creative ways to present his materials in class, which results in consistently high test scores from his students. An active member at school, Robert organizes a weekly basketball scrimmage for students and performs in the school holiday play. He also works to better his community by organizing the annual 4th of July parade for his neighbors and hosting a weekly Bible study for members of his church.

Michael Mitchell, a 6th grade teacher at Lexington Elementary School, is a dedicated teacher who guides his students to above average scores in math and language courses. He works hard after school to tutor his students and helps them with reading, English, and math. In addition to his work at Lexington, Michael works with teachers throughout the district to help them refine and perfect their teaching skills.

The honorees were invited to the home game on December 16 where the Lakers took on the Los Angeles Clippers. They were honored during a halftime presentation where the recipients received a plaque and a $50 gift certificate to Staples. The nominations for the December Student and Teacher of the Month were submitted by principals and teachers of each school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.