The Lakers are proud to announce March Student of the Month winners, Madison Baker, Sharnae Lewis and Mari Moreno and Teacher of the Month winners, Steve Davidson, Michelle Gunderson and Chris Lakey. This month’s winners demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Madison Baker, a 5th grader at Woodcrest School, works on many community service projects at her school, including food drives, toy drives and Pennies for Patients. She recently cut off 10 inches of hair and donated it to Locks of Love, which makes wigs for underprivileged children with cancer. A member of the school student council, soccer club and chorus, Madison is a role model for her classmates.

Sharnae Lewis, a 12th grader at West Covina High School, is very involved at her school. As a member of the Journalism Club, the Step Sqaud and the California Scholarship Federation Club, Sharnae is a natural leader. She recently won the California State Lottery “Hero in Education” Award and received special recognition for outstanding and invaluable community service from the Los Angeles City Council.

Mari Moreno, a 6th grader at Ramona Elementary School, excels in all areas of academics, making her a gifted and talented education program student. In addition to her schoolwork, Mari is vice president of the student council, editor of the school newspaper and tutor for her fellow classmates. Mari is very involved outside the classroom and works on many community service projects through her church.

Steve Davidson, a science teacher and football coach at Mira Costa High School, has taught science and coached football at Mira Costa for 15 years! In addition to football, Steve coaches the school Robotics Team and has led his students to the National Championships in past years. Steve is very active in his community, volunteering to coach the local soccer, basketball and baseball teams in the Palos Verdes little leagues.

Michelle Gunderson, an English teacher at Stephen R. Fitz Intermediate School, is dedicated to making learning fun and exciting for her students. She is the department chair, academic pentathlon coach, spelling bee coach and leadership committee member at Stephen R. Fitz School. As a music instructor at her church, Michelle also volunteered to judge the school’s own version of American Idol this year!

Chris Lakey, a Resource Specialist at Ramona Elementary School, works with students who have learning disabilities and helps them to perform at their grade level standards. In addition to his work with students, Chris trains new teachers to the district and leads the school’s behavior review team. He is actively involved in sports and theater and created a school fitness program and talent show.

The honorees were invited to the home game on March 21st where the Lakers took on the Seattle Supersonics. They were honored during a halftime presentation where the recipients received a plaque and a $50 gift certificate to Staples. The nominations for the March 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.