On June 7, the California School Employees Association (CSEA) honored 39 southern California “unsung heroes” at a banquet and awards presentation in Granada Hills.
The honorees were selected from among more than 26,000 school employees represented by CSEA in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
Award recipients were selected by their co-workers for their volunteer efforts and willingness to help fellow employees in making public schools and community colleges a better place to work. CSEA area directors Ferral Hubbard, Ivan Pastrano, and Jennie Batiste presented the awards.
Four local heroes received awards based on statements submitted by their CSEA chapter leaders.
Mitzi Albertson of Lompoc Valley Chapter 257 was recognized for helping Lompoc’s transitional students “in ways that touch the hearts and health of the students,” according to the nomination form. “Whether it consists of providing hot dinners, tutoring, or making sure that they have shoes to wear, Albertson is there for them.”
Peggy Perdue of Santa Maria Bonita Elementary Chapter 129 is a secretary in instructional services. According to her nomination form, “Perdue is recognized by her co-workers as a person they can go to for help with any problem. She can always be relied upon to go above and beyond her duties as she constantly helps her co-workers with her knowledge and good advice.”
Anastacia Malm of Central Coast Chapter 455 “has been a benefits technician for SMHUHSD for five years, and in that short time has gained a reputation for her professionalism. Thanks to her efforts, the district went from optional health insurance to 100 percent participation by school staff in the past year,” according to the nomination form.
Teacher’s assistant Teresa Leornas of the Santa Barbara County Coast and Valleys Chapter 817 was recognized for “her dedication to the students and valuable organizational skills,” according to her nomination form.
School Scene is compiled by Staff Writer Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Jun 19-26, 2008.