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lalswong

Top: Michael Walters, Brandon Perez
    Bttm: Mya Osorio, Wendy Santana, Avalon Ostrander, Ian Stuart

Nominate someone
            now
        for student or educator in 2021-22.

The Lakers are proud to announce our March 2022 Student and Educator of the Month honorees! This month’s student honorees are Avalon Ostrander, Brandon Perez, and Mya Osorio. The educator honorees are Wendy Santana, Ian Stuart, and Michael Walters. Each honoree demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Avalon Ostrander is a kind, caring, and intelligent 2nd grade student at Weaver Elementary. Avalon is a hard worker who has shown great growth in reading fluency and comprehension. Outside of school, she supports her Brownie troops community efforts, such as helping collect toys for other kids or pet shelter donations, and even spoke in front of her school encouraging donations for various charities.

Brandon Perez, a respectful, helpful, and sweet 5th grade student at Camellia Ave Elementary. Brandon has made improvements over the last 3 years in his independence, making his teachers proud. He is hardworking and is always respectful to those around him. Brandon also makes a positive impact by recycling and keeping his school and community clean.

Mya Osorio an impressive, dynamic 10th grade student at Sonora High School. Mya has overcome personal and academic obstacles during her early development to accomplish incredible academic and personal successes. Mya is hardworking and dedicated--currently has five A’s in her courses this semester—and a true positive inspiration to those around her.

Wendy Santana is a caring, loyal, and compassionate Kindergarten teacher at Menlo Elementary School. Mrs. Santana believes that all children can learn and are fully capable of instilling this belief in her students as well. Her signature program, “Conga Kids” is a dance curriculum crafted to promote physical well-being and coordination, while also aiming to build a community of self- confidence.

Ian Stuart is a dedicated, composed, and adored 4th grade teacher at Pomelo Community Charter. Mr. Stuart makes his students feel safe and gives students a chance to share what they are feeling each day through his Restorative Justice circles. He is also the lead teacher for the International Mathematical Kangaroo program, emphasizing teamwork, cooperation, and creativity.

Michael Walters is a caring, funny, and dedicated 11th and 12th grade Social Studies teacher at Edison High School. Not only do Mr. Walters students know how deeply he cares about their growth; they also hold a yearly AP pass rate above 80%. Mr. Walters also has been a member of the Varsity Football coaching staff for close to 15 years and is known for putting character first.

Each Student and Educator of the Month honoree was invited to the home game March 14th vs. the Toronto Raptors. They were honored during a halftime on-court presentation where they received a special plaque and a Lakers Student and Educator of the Month t-shirt. The nominations for the March Student and Educator of the Month were submitted by administrators, principals, teachers and parents of each school based on exemplary education efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.

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March 2022 Student and Educator of the Month

Top: Robert Harmston, Daniel Martinez
    Bttm: Ranbo Zhao, Erika Arellano, Emma Vanden Dries, Joshua Augustus

The Lakers are proud to announce the February 2022 Student and Educator of the Month honorees! This month’s student honorees are Emma Vanden Dries, Daniel Martinez, and Ranbo Zhao. The educator honorees are Robert Harmston, Erika Arellano, and Joshua Augustus. Each honoree demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Emma Vanden Dries, a compassionate, persistent, and grateful 4th grade student from Beatitudes of Our Lord School. She puts 100% effort into all things, determined to ask questions and accomplish any task at hand no matter how hard it gets. Emma is also a member of the choir, a soccer team, and the Honor Roll.

Daniel Martinez, a hard-working, diligent, artistic 6th grade student at Jellick Elementary. Daniel has earned 2021-2022 Principal's Honor Roll, Student of the Month, and multiple Student of the Week awards. He is an excellent student, a pleasure to have in class, and is also a member of the Jellick Softball team.

Ranbo Zhao, a humble, compassionate, and responsible 12th grade student from Diamond Bar High School. Ranbo has greatly improved his own life through recognizing where he can learn and grow, then driving toward those goals. He is also a student mentor in the Autism Project, and a participant in The American Rocketry Challenge.

Robert Harmston, a caring, loyal, and compassionate physical education teacher at Arovista Elementary. Robert teaches 1st-6th grade students, creating engaging activities that correspond to the students’ needs and interests. He encourages his students to help society become a better place and is well-loved amongst fellow educators.

Erika Arellano, a dedicated, passionate, honorable 8th grade teacher at PUC CALS Charter Middle School. Erika excels in connecting with her students, going the extra mile to engage with every type of learner. She is also the ASB committee leader and an excellent field trip planner.

Joshua Augustus, an engaging and caring teacher at Goodwill Education Center. At this continuation school, Joshua has helped bring up attendance and graduation rates. He treats all students fairly and helps them to see the options still in front of them. He also spends time in non-profit work, offering free haircuts, job interview training, school supplies, and even financial literacy videos for students and families.

Each Student and Educator of the Month honoree was invited to the home game February 2nd vs. the Portland Trail Blazers. They were honored during a halftime video presentation where they received a special 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, teachers and parents of each school based on exemplary education efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.

february-2022-student-and-educator-of-the-month

February 2022 Student and Educator of the Month

Top: Taylor Umanzio, Nathan Lemus-Poloanco
Bttm: Aaron Irineo-Magallan, Anthony Martínez, Evelyn Berger

Nominate someone
        now
    for student or educator in 2021-22.

The Lakers are proud to announce the January 2022 Student and Educator of the Month honorees! This month’s student honorees are Nathan Lemus-Poloanco, Evelyn Berger, and Aaron Irineo-Magallan. The educator honorees are Taylor Umanzio and Anthony Martinez. Each honoree demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Nathan Lemus-Poloanco, a hard-working and resilient 4th grade student at West Athens Elementary School. Nathan is part of the Book Club, and is extremely dedicated to improving his literacy, making big strides in his efforts to read challenging books. He has shown great artistic achievement, participates in team building endeavors, and is always ready to learn.

Evelyn Berger, an enthusiastic, inquisitive, and kind 6th grade student at Hollywood Schoolhouse. Evelyn always strives to be the best possible version of herself. She is kind and authentic, and always eager to expand her knowledge in the classroom. Evelyn volunteers her time helping to feed the homeless with her dad, and also a member of the Girl Scouts.

Aaron Irineo-Magallan, a reliable and responsible 12th grade student at James A Garfield High School. Aaron is a high achieving student in several AP classes who volunteers his time teaching engineering to his peers and elementary children. He is also the Vice President of the engineering club, and a dual sport athlete involved in football and basketball.

Taylor Umanzio, an energetic and creative 5th grade teacher at Cabot Yerxa Elementary School. Taylor brings real life situations into the classroom, and keeps her instruction fast paced to have students constantly moving and learning. She can often be found shooting hoops with her students at recess. Taylor is also a team player amongst her coworkers, showing genuine interest in her colleagues and their teaching techniques.

Anthony Martínez, a compassionate, engaging, and good-humored 6th and 7th grade History teacher at Sierra Vista Middle School. Anthony has had a big impact on his students along with the school community. Always giving 100%, Anthony is a passionate leader, well-appreciated by his students’ parents, and has won Teacher of the Year twice.

Each Student and Educator of the Month honoree was invited to the home game on January 2nd, 2022 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. They were honored during a halftime video presentation where they received a special plaque and a Lakers Student and Educator of the Month t-shirt. The nominations for the January Student and Educator of the Month were submitted by administrators, principals, teachers and parents of each school based on exemplary education efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.

january-2022-student-and-educator-of-the-month

January 2022 Student and Educator of the Month

Top: Amber Carbajal, Edward Toledo, James Lingen
        Bttm: Bttm: Jason Myung, Michelle Ibarra, Savita Bal

The Lakers are proud to announce the December 2021 Student and Educator of the Month winners! This month’s student winners are Amber Carbajal, Michelle Ibarra, and Edward Toledo. The winning educators are Savita Bal, James Lingen, and Jason Myung. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Amber Carbajal, a disciplined and high-achieving 3rd grade student at Morningside Elementary. Amber is dedicated to improving her academics and her hard work is noticed by her educators. Along with her academic success, she demonstrates a positive attitude and is beloved by her peers.

Michelle Ibarra, a caring and tenacious 5th grade student at West Athens Elementary School. Michelle is an active member of the Literacy Book Club, and loves to read and care for books with her teachers. She is determined to succeed, always looks to improve, and never gives up.

Edward Toledo, a resilient 8th grade student at Olive Vista Middle School. Edward puts in the hard work before and after school to ensure he is doing his best and is a student who makes teachers want to come to school. He is also an active student of the Humanitas Academy, loved music, and is a member of the drum line.

Savita Ball is an enthusiastic and motivational 3rd grade teacher at Upland Elementary School. Savita’s twenty-plus years of dedication and love for her job has had a strong impact on her students. Her care for her class and after-school work exemplifies her commitment to her community year after year.

James Lingen, a thoughtful and dependable Wellness Coordinator at Renaissance High School for the Arts. James works hard to improves students’ emotional and academic wellbeing. He shined during the pandemic, often making home visits to struggling students. He is looked to as a trusted leader for students’ wide variety of issues, and helps provide resources for their unique needs.

Jason Myung, an empathetic and tireless teacher and coach at Benjamin Franklin High School. Jason has been a staple at his school for over 17 years in a variety of positions, putting students and community needs first. His hard work for the school is unmeasurable, and always done with a smile. He was also recently recognized as LAUSD Teacher of the Year!

Each Student and Educator of the Month honoree was invited to the home game on December 12th, 2021 vs. the Orlando Magic. They were honored during a halftime video 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, teachers and parents of each school based on exemplary education efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.

december-2021-student-and-educator-of-the-month

December 2021 Student and Educator of the Month

Top: Frank Divinagracia, George Salcedo, Phone Thit Noe
        Bttm: Alejandra Ramirez, Emma Saucedo, Juan Velazquez

The Lakers are proud to announce the November 2021 Student and Educator of the Month winners! This month’s student winners are Juan Velazquez, Alejandra Ramirez, and Emma Saucedo. The winning educators are Phone Thit Noe, George Salcedo, and Frank Divinagracia. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.

Juan Velazquez, a goal-oriented 3rd grade student at the Center for Advanced Learning. Juan is a straight A student on the academic honor roll, and also eagerly participates in the STEM Club, spelling bee team, and Mathathon team.

Alejandra Ramirez, a determined 5th grade student at Montague Charter Academy. She is a class tutor and has a passion for learning. Along with her academic success, she demonstrates kindness toward others and finds pleasures in seeing her classmates succeed.

Emma Saucedo, a respectful and committed 12th grade student at James A Garfield High School. Emma has earned much recognition for academic and athletic excellence, along with participating in Student Government and advocating for equality. She is also the captain of her soccer team.

Phone Thit Noe, a nurturing 5th grade teacher at Rosemont Avenue Elementary. Ms. Noe regularly implements researched based practices to support her students’ achievement, and engages students so that they fully understand how much she cares for them. She also leads the Student Council and helps students advocate for change.

George Salcedo, a caring Behavioral Specialist at Sanchez Elementary School. He helps students work through difficult obstacles by providing a safe and comfortable space, positively impacting their social, emotional, and academic status. George also coaches soccer for his own three young children.

Frank Divinagracia, a dedicated high school Math teacher at Da Vinci Science. He is a veteran teacher who uses his students’ interests as context for mathematical concepts. He also volunteers for several clubs and is a part of the school’s Diversity and Equity leadership team.

Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was invited to the home game on November 12th, 2021 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. They were honored during a halftime video 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, teachers and parents of each school based on exemplary education efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.

november-2020-21-student-and-educator-of-the-month

November 2021 Student and Educator of the Month

Top row: Rubi Miranda, Elijah Adams
    Bottom row: Sonja Cao-Garcia, Victoria Medina, Nancy Retana, Hugo Perez

Nominate someone
        now
    for student or educator in 2020-21.

The Lakers are proud to announce the February 2021 Student and Educator of the Month winners, presented by Fifth Third Bank! This month’s student honorees are Elijah Adams, Rubi Miranda and Victoria Medina. This month’s educator winners are Hugo Perez, Nancy Retana, and Sonja Cao-Garcia. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academia and the community.

Elijah Adams is a dedicated 3rd grade student at Sunnydale Elementary School. Elijah keeps a positive attitude and presents himself daily with a big smile. He maintains outstanding grades and it always willing to contribute to class discussions. Elijah is kindhearted, cares for the well-being of others, and is a future leader in the community.

Rubi Miranda is a hard-working 7th grade student at Los Angeles Academy Middle School. She has shown incredible persistence and dedication to raising her grades, even in the most challenging of times. Rubi is proof that when you are focused on a goal and take advantage of the resources and opportunities presented to you, nothing can hold you back.

Victoria Medina is an outstanding 12th grade student at James A. Garfield High School. She has been recognized for her achievements several times, including Principals Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance Award, and an Academic Excellence Award from California State Congress. Victoria is also member of the basketball team, elected Senator in school government, a tutor for students with special needs, and is responsible for organizing several community events including canned food and toy drives.

Hugo Perez is an exemplary para educator for 1st through 4th grades at Stoner Avenue Elementary School. Hugo goes above and beyond to help students understand lessons in small groups, ensuring each student’s needs are met. He also is a team player for the rest of the school, helping teachers move classrooms, cleaning the bookroom, and engaging students during playtime.

Nancy Retana is an exceptional Special Education teacher at Nava College Preparatory Academy. She is dedicated to broadening her students’ views for the future, encouraging them to persevere and conquer. She also works with other teachers to ensure differentiation strategies are implemented for her students. Nancy goes the extra mile to offer students an opportunity to develop their own interests, including creating an anime club and recycling club.

Sonja Cao-Garcia is a supportive and devoted Principal at Capistrano Avenue Elementary School. She is a leader who is loyal to her teachers and fights for the best possible experience for her students. She ensures all students and staff are safe on campus, has garnered tremendous support from parents, and has helped solidify the school’s standing as a Gold Ribbon School.

Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was honored on @LakersCommunity social media and received a special Lakers gift. 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.

february-2020-21-student-and-educator-of-the-month

February 2021 Student and Educator of the Month

The Lakers are proud to announce the January 2021 Student and Educator of the Month winners, presented by Fifth
    Third Bank! This month’s student honorees are Yasiru Jayathilake, Adam Weilert and Heaven Ruiz. This month’s
    educator winners are Hilaleh Hamad, Dean Gray, and Monica Muñoz Keough. Each winner demonstrates an outstanding
    commitment to academia and the community.

Adam Weilert, is a kind and hard-working 8th grade student at Alice C. Stelle Middle School. Thanks
    to his critical thinking and positive work-ethic, he has maintained a high GPA with straight A’s in all his current
    classes, and qualified for the Honor Society. Adam participates in the leadership group Connecting with Teens and is
    a travel and recreational basketball player.

Dean Gray, is a passionate teacher and coach at Norwalk High School. Dean runs Charity for
    Charities, helping students raise thousands of dollars each year to give back to causes across the country. He is
    also the Head Football Coach, spending countless hours to help the student athletes reach their goals in the
    classroom and on the field. Dean runs several fundraisers to support his student athletes and has played a vital
    role in shaping the youth of Norwalk High School into better citizens in the community.

Heaven Ruiz, is an exceptional 12th grade student at La Mirada High School. She is a multi-sport
    athlete, participating on both the Varsity Water Polo and Varsity Swim Teams. Heaven is also concurrently enrolled
    at Cerritos College, and maintains a high cumulative GPA. Heaven goes above and beyond what is necessary with
    stellar effort and attitude.

Hilaleh Hamad, is a dedicated 5th grade teacher at ISANA Nascent Academy. Hilaleh has risen her
    students’ academic scores by up to 80%, even helping nurture students’ reading growth by an average of two grade
    levels. She is also the Student Council advisor, an Instructional Coach, and continues her own education as she
    studies for an Administrative Credential. Hilaleh was the 2018-2019 ISANA Nascent Teacher of the Year for her
    dedication to giving students a voice and supporting student success.

Monica Muñoz Keough, is an outstanding Principal at Wright Elementary School. She helped transform
    the school into a 2020 California Distinguished School through motivating her faculty and creating systems where
    every student and parent feels supported. Monica also played a vital role in creating before school and after school
    programs, and started the Motto "The Viking Way," inspiring students and staff create campaigns such as Kindness
    Week and Volunteering Week to help bring the school community together.

Yasiru Jayathilake, is an outstanding 5th grade student at Pantera Elementary School. He has
    received the highest marks on both his report card and the California Assessment of Student Performance and
    Progress, as well as placed 3rd in the school Spelling Bee. Yasiru is also an avid reader, a travel basketball
    player, and volunteers in community events through his place of worship.

Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was honored on @LakersCommunity social media and received a special
    Lakers gift. The nominations for the January 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.

january-2020-21-student-and-educator-of-the-month

January 2021 Student and Educator of the Month

lalnkioski

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 &amp;
  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.