Walnut Valley USD Trustees Recognize Star Students, Community Members

WALNUT, CA—Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees kicked off the April 17 meeting with special recognitions of star students and community members.

Maple Hill Elementary 5th grader Tiffany Yee was presented with the Super Star Student Award.

Tiffany has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience throughout her educational journey. Beginning as a shy kindergartener with challenges in speaking and language,

Tiffany has blossomed into a confident and outgoing individual. She now greets everyone with a warm smile and kind words, embodying the epitome of positivity and optimism. Her unwaveringly positive outlook on life serves as an inspiration to her peers and exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and determination. “We are immensely proud of Tiffany and the incredible strides she has made, and we are excited to celebrate her achievements with the school board and our Maple Hill community,” shared Principal Kim McNeil.

Parent volunteer Abigail “Abby” Tata was lauded with the Partner in Education Award for over a decade of dedicated service at Maple Hill Elementary. Abby’s commitment and passion for advocating for all children shines through in her tireless efforts support the school in every capacity. She currently services as Community Club 1st vice president following two years as secretary. With children spanning from kindergarten through high school, Abby's personal investment in the school community is both deeply appreciated and truly invaluable. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Abby for her ongoing dedication to the success and well-being of our students and families,” Principal McNeil said.

Suzanne Middle School 8th grader Brandon Zhang received the Super Star Student Award. “Brandon represents all the characteristics we hope to see in our Suzanne students,” shared Principal Dr. Amy Smith. He is ASB president, a star basketball player, serves on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, and spoke at the recent ribbon-cutting/groundbreaking ceremony. Teachers say that Brandon brings a fun-loving spirit to the classroom each day and is conscientious of his fellow students. “He graciously offers to help all others around him.”

Another said that Brandon is the kind of kid you want your kids to be when they grow up. “He is smart, respectful, humble, and kind.”

Construction manager Dallas Coley was honored with the Partner in Education Award. Dallas has been the “guru” throughout construction of Suzanne’s new two-story classroom building, gymnasium, and music building, according to Principal Smith. “His support, positive attitude, and attention to detail have been nothing short of remarkable.” Although Dallas works at multiple sites, he is consistently present and visible at Suzanne with a smile! Dallas also goes above and beyond to communicate to administration and educators impacted by his work. “With everything from floors, to counters, to parking for his crew, Dallas is consistently working to make sure we know the what, when, and how, of construction on our campus,” Principal Smith said. “It is clear that his ‘Kids First’ attitude is foundational to the choices he makes and the people that he leads.”

Trustees also recognized four young artists as top winners in the national 2024 Music K-8 Magazine Cover Contest. Congratulations to: Quail Summit Elementary 5th grader Kimberly Liu – Winner; Castle Rock Elementary 5th grader Jayden Romero – 2nd Runner Up; Castle Rock Elementary 4th grader Catherine Liaw – 4th Runner Up; and Maple Hill Elementary 5th grader Eunice Choi – 5th Runner Up.