The Lakers are proud to announce the November 2014 Student and Educator of the Month winners! This month’s student winners are Kacie Hernandez, Kaylin Laury and Patrick Young. The winning teachers are Rocio Vargas, William Omer and Ron Hilton. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.
Kacie Hernandez, an 8th grade student from Olive Vista Middle School. As a top student, Kacie excels in her honors classes. Outside of the classroom, she participates in the school band and volunteers with Heal the Bay’s Coastal Clean Up Day.
Kaylin Laury, an 11th grader from Chatsworth High School. Kaylin continues to strive socially and academically. Always smiling, she serves as a leader to her classmates. Kaylin continues to demonstrate her hard work and determination as a participant in the school’s Best Buddies program and unified sports teams.
Patrick Young, a 12th grader from Hacienda Heights Chinese School. Patrick maintains an outstanding GPA, while excelling as a member of the swim and water polo teams. In his spare time he serves as a Boy Scout troop leader and president of several student clubs including the American Cancer Society.
Rocio Vargas, a 7th grade teacher at Elizabeth Learning Center. In addition to teaching math, Miss Vargas has built a reading buddies program for the school and helps coordinate a school-wide spirit weak. She is also actively involved in organizing Bully Awareness week and student teams for several charity walks throughout Los Angeles.
William Omer, an 8th grade English teacher at Prepa Tec Los Angeles. Mr. Omer is extremely dedicated to his students, always putting creativity and thought into his lessons. He started a Journalism Club to help improve the students’ writing skills and serves on the school’s Executive Committee to help create and improve campus policies.
Ron Hilton, a teacher and coach from Valencia High School. Ron has inspired many students from a wide range of backgrounds during his teaching career. He will be retiring in December after 40 years in education. As a beloved teacher, administrator, and coach will be truly missed by students and faculty.
Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was invited to the home game on November 16th, 2014 vs. the Golden State Warriors. They were honored during a halftime presentation where they received a plaque and a Lakers Student and Educator of the Month t-shirt. The nominations for the November Student and Educator of the Month were submitted by principals and teachers of each school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.