Nominate someone now
for student or educator in 2019-20.
The Lakers are proud to announce the February 2020 Student and Educator of the
Month winners! This month’s student winners are Patrick Taliauli, Nicolas
Swanson, and Pablo Mata. This month’s educator winners are Adrianna Garcia,
Ray Villanueva, and Julie Cahn. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding
commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach. Patrick Taliauli,
an exceptional 5th grade student at Dooley Elementary School. Patrick creates
activities for students that promote volunteering and a positive school
climate. He excels academically while playing both football and basketball.
Patrick Taliauli, an exceptional 5th grade student at Dooley
Elementary School. Patrick creates activities for students that promote
volunteering and a positive school climate. He excels academically while
playing both football and basketball.
Nicole Swanson, a hardworking 6th grade student at St. John
of God School. Nicolas makes Honor Roll every quarter and consistently remains
at the top of his class. He also volunteers as a Big Buddy to the Kindergarten
students.
Pablo Mata, a determined 12th grade student at Saddleback
High School. As an International Baccalaureate student, Pablo has taken some
of the most difficult courses available. He also serves as the team manager &
statistician for the school’s basketball teams.
Adriana Garcia, an innovative principal at Legore Elementary
School. Principal Garcia brought the school’s scores in Language Arts and Math
above the state average. This year, Legore Elementary is eligible to receive
the California Distinguished School award.
Ray Villanueva, a dedicated PE teacher at Alliance
College-Ready Middle Academy 8. Mr. Villanueva heads the athletic department
and provides literacy instruction. He is a mentor to other teachers and
exemplifies a commitment to students and the community.
Julie Cahn, a selfless teacher at Enadia Way Elementary
School. After 39 years, Julie is in her final year of teaching ELS. Her
dedication and love for her job has a strong impact on her students and many
of them remain in contact with her today.
Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was invited to the home game on
February 25th vs. the New Orleans Pelicans. 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 February Student and
Educator of the Month were submitted by administrators, principals and
teachers of each school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic
achievement or extracurricular activities.
The Lakers are proud to announce the December 2019 Student and Educator of the
Month winners! This month’s student winners are Cesar Martinez, Ryder Sharts,
Chelsea Salgado, Marianne Leon, Allen Thoe, and Jayne Okazaki. Each winner
demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community
outreach.
Cesar Martinez, an exceptional 3rd grade student at Armada
Elementary School. Cesar is on the honor roll and has won awards for
outstanding student and perfect attendance. After school, he is a junior
program leader and participates in the 100 mile and spelling bee clubs.
Ryder Sharts, a hardworking 8th grade student at Valley View
Middle School. Ryder has the highest GPA in his class and is an active member
of the yearbook club. As captain of the basketball team, he has led the team
to three undefeated seasons.
Chelsea Salgado, a determined 12th grade student at George
Washington Preparatory High School. Chelsea aspires to attend the University
of Southern California and become a neonatal surgeon. As class president, she
is dedicated to helping her school and her peers.
Marianne Leon, a dedicated Reading Specialist at Sanchez
Elementary School. Ms. Leon has been teaching for over 25 years and always
puts students first. She is an integral part of ensuring students receive the
support they need to succeed.
Allen Thoe, an innovative teacher at Citrus Valley High
School. Mr. Thoe encourages students to explore robotics and coding and was
recognized as C-STEM teacher of the year. He is the advisor for the Girls Who
Code club and coaches soccer.
Jayne Okazaki, a dedicated and selfless principal at Edison
Elementary School. With over 25 years at the Torrance Unified School District,
Principal Okazaki has dedicated her career to helping young students grow and
is truly the heartbeat of the school. Under her leadership, Edison was named
an Honor Roll School for raising student achievement.
Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was invited to the home game on
December 8th vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. 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 December Student and
Educator of the Month were submitted by administrators, principals and
teachers of each school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic
achievement or extracurricular activities.
The Lakers are proud to announce the November 2019 Student and Educator of the
Month winners! This month’s student winners are Areanna Flores, Mia Ceja and
Esteban Gonzalez. The winning educators are Paul Tran, Vasag Sherbetdjian and
Joye Roberts. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia,
athletics, and community outreach.
Areanna Flores, a selfless 5th grade student at Montague
Charter Academy. She leads Class Congress meetings and advocates for the needs
of her fellow students as a member of the Student Senate. In her free time,
she loves to play soccer.
Mia Ceja, a hardworking 8th grade student at Olive Vista
Middle School. Mia is in the top 5% of her school while enrolled in honors and
advanced classes. In her spare time, she is the captain of the school’s
running team.
Esteban Gonzalez,, an exceptional 10th grade student at James
A. Garfield High School. Esteban scored perfectly on the state math test and
has been on the principal’s honor roll every grading period. Outside of class,
he has completed over 100 community service hours and performs Mariachi music.
Paul Tran, a big-hearted teacher at Renaissance High School
for the Arts. With the help of Mr. Tran, the school was awarded a grant to
build a music studio. He volunteered his time to get the studio up-and-running
and students now have an incredible place to compose and record music.
Vasag Sherbetdjian, a dedicated PE teacher at PUC Community
Charter Middle School. He is a student-centered leader with high standards for
his students and team members. He goes above and beyond his position and is
always the students’ biggest cheerleader.
Joye Roberts, an enthusiastic 6th grade teacher at ICEF View
Park Preparatory Middle School. Ms. Roberts continuously finds innovative ways
to teach her students how they can impact the community. She is a leader among
teachers and is known for her commitment to her students.
Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was invited to the home game on
November 17th, 2019 vs. the Atlanta Hawks. 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 administrators, principals and teachers of each
school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic achievement or
extracurricular activities.