By Daily Press staff
Several school staffers were honored last week for their contributions to the school district.
The Santa Monica High School PTSA presented the Honorary Service Awards to faculty and staff at the annual staff appreciation luncheon last Thursday. Nearly 300 faculty and staff attended the luncheon “fiesta” event at the school, transformed by event chairs Carol Beitcher and Deb Love, and a small army of parent volunteers.
This year two programs and eight individuals were honored with awards. Students made many of the award presentations, commenting briefly on each awardee and how they exemplify the award: Outstanding service to youth. In addition, the awardees foster a strong school-home partnership that forms a foundation for student success.
The awards are as follows: ■“The Parent Center,” headed by community liaisons Pamela Allen-Jones and Tere Viramontes-Gutierrez. Allen-Jones and Viramontes-Gutierrez provide translation and advocacy for families, particularly those of color. They have helped initiate the “Parent Mentors” program, designed to foster a home-school partnership, to make sure all students achieve their highest potential. ■“The Samohi Library,” headed by librarians Ann McKechnie and Dana Bart- Bell, aided by Lohren Price and Sue Power. McKechnie and Bart-Bell provide support to teachers and students, providing accessibility to students, providing a personal touch. They are rarely found behind the desk. They guide students to “just the right book” to pique their interest to make them lifelong readers.
Individual honorary service awards were presented to: ■Dina Mendoza, enrollment office staff. Mendoza is often the first contact with any student enrolling, and schedules complicated tests and transfers information. She treats all students with dignity and respect, officials say. ■Tania Fischer, art teacher and cross country and track coach. Fischer is a top women’s runner, and pushes her athletes to excel. She was praised in her ability to be tough, yet nurturing. As an art teacher, she helps student discover their creativity, expressing themselves in various media. ■Susana Maya, student intervention specialist. Maya, a social worker, meets individually and in groups with students, some of whom are struggling to stay in school, fighting depression, and serious adversity in their personal lives. ■Christopher Rhodes, choir director. Frequently managing classes of more than 80 students, Rhodes is upbeat and demands a high level of musicianship and discipline from his students, officials said. Rhodes is a student advocate and fosters a love of music. ■Steve Rupprecht, math teacher. Parents and students alike comment on Rupprecht’s positive, caring ways, exemplified by his responsiveness to parent communications, often calling parents at home when responding to e-mails. His classroom is often open at lunch, for talk or math help. He tutors after school. ■Michelle Kenney, 11th grade advisor. Kenney taught Spanish at Samohi last year before being selected to be a newly expanded student support advisor. In addition, she advises two groups on campus: Racial Harmony and A.D.L. Stop the Hate. ■Gilda de la Cruz, English teacher and coordinator for the Xinachtli tutoring program with UCLA mentors. Praise for De la Cruz’s efforts include working hard to make sure the tutoring program continues despite budget cuts that have threatened its existence. She is action oriented and fosters educational activism. She advises a campus club. ■Kelly John Okla, math teacher. Okla’s room is a testament to success and achievement, with its posted messages and his ever-welcoming presence, officials say. He jokes with his students, helps even those who are not in his classes with homework, helping them gain confidence in their math skills. He calls students at home to give them encouraging words and positive feedback. He challenges them to excel.
Funds are donated in the name of the honorees to the HSA program at the California state PTA, providing resources for the scholarship and grant programs of the state PTA, which further benefit youth.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 15, 2003. Read the original PDF.