Chamber of Commerce to Honor Unforgettable Educators Tonight

[News release from the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce]

The and Facey Medical Group present the 12^th Annual Unforgettable Educator Recognition Event. Held on April 19^th [beginning at 6:30 p.m.] at The Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, the chamber will honor local teachers and school administrators whose dedication and active role in the community inspire and motivate their students to grow, learn, excel and give back.  The 2012 Award Recipients, nominated by their students and fellow colleagues, are:

 Kathy Zika - Beckford Elementary
 Unforgettable Educator Award 

Victoria LittleJohn - Castlebay Elementary
Principal of the Year Award 

Ricca Francis - St. John Eudes School
PTA President of the Year Award

Rosalie VanZyl - Nobel Magnet Middle School
Science & Technology Teacher Award 

Larry Williams - Chatsworth High School
Creative Arts Teacher Award

The Chamber will also recognize at the event Napa Elementary, a local school serving an extremely disadvantaged community. Last year this school’s Academic Performance Index, which is a measure of student success calculated from the California Standards Test, went up 130 points, more than any other elementary school in the entire state of California. The school clearly stated that the support received from Devonshire PALS programs was vital to their tremendous academic gains. 

Leading up to the event, the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber also hosts a book drive creating a friendly competition between schools in the Chatsworth and Porter Ranch area.  The book drive benefits (CCRC) What a Difference a BOOK Makes literacy campaign. This year, over 10 local schools worked together to collect over 6,000 books! At the event, the Chamber will donate 40% of the event proceeds to the top three schools that collected the most books.

“We are thankful for the support and book donations we have received from the schools and the chamber," says Bill Swindle, CCRC Community Relations Coordinator and Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber Board Member.  “Every book CCRC receives will benefit local children.  It is hard to believe but, according to research, only 1 book is available for every 300 children in low income neighborhoods.  Since 2010, CCRC has distributed over 200,000 age appropriate children books! CCRC continues to support education and literacy and works to provide parents with the tools they need to educate their children.  The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber has been a great partner in this effort.”

The Child Care Resource Center ongoing literacy campaign accepts gently used or new children books year round.  You can drop off your donation at CCRC’s Chatsworth office or at the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber office or host your own community or school book drive.  Become an official sponsor today and see what a difference a book makes tomorrow.

About the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber supports our members through leadership and advocacy as we engage in activities that enhance and strengthen an environment which fosters business growth and the well being of our community. Visit www.chatsworthchamber.com for more information.

About CCRC

CCRC strives to help every child reach their full potential assisting parents, child care providers, employers, and local communities in all matters related to child care since 1976.  We serve over 25,000 children and families each month by providing valuable early education tools and resources, child development workshops and trainings, free preschool for thousands of children, and financial assistance to pay for child care while parents work or attend school. Visit www.ccrcla.org for more information.