Tony Ker, a senior, is an outstanding student-athlete and role model on campus. He has received numerous honors including being named scholar athlete, team captain in basketball and volleyball, and CIF player of the year in volleyball. In the Fall he will be heading to UCLA on scholarship. He is a very respectful, thoughtful, and humble student.

Daniel Crogman, a senior, currently carries a 4.25 GPA with four AP classes and one honors class. He is also captain of the cross-country, track and field, and soccer teams. Daniel is a natural born leader and carries himself with incredible maturity. He is currently deciding whether he will attend UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, UC Davis, or UC Irvine in the Fall. Jessica Luevano, a seventh grader at Slauson Middle School. Jessica sets an excellent example for her fellow classmates. She works hard in class, works cooperatively with other students, and receives excellent grades. She is very involved with school activities and after-school programs. She treats all those around her with the utmost respect. She truly exemplifies all that student of the month represents.

Three teachers were also recognized for their outstanding achievements. Jerry Mike is a science teacher at Valencia High School. He is also the head coach of the school’s highly-successful girls’ basketball team. In addition, he has also spent extra hours to paint and renovate the school hallways, gym and athletic lobby. He is a very committed teacher and coach. Jake Gwin is a science, math, and P.E. teacher at Canoga Park High School. He is also the head coach of the cross-country, track and field, and soccer teams. This past season, he has turned the soccer team around and they just recently won the city championship for the first time in the school’s history. He is loved and respected by all of his fellow staff members and his students and athletes. Judy Peterson is a second grade teacher at Ramona Elementary School. Judy is a teacher who inspires and encourages, and makes each day an adventure of learning. She transmits her love of learning to her students. Each day her students cannot wait to get to school. She helps out with the school’s study team, the 2nd grade musical, and “Love to Read” night.

The six honorees received tickets for the Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Those in attendance had the honor of being recognized at half time on center court. Each recipient was presented with a plaque marking his/her achievement. The nominations for the April Student and Teacher of the Month were selected and submitted by principals and teachers of each school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.

Nominations for the 2004-05 Student and Teacher of the Month will be accepted starting October 2004.