MR. THAYER, Castle Rock Elementary

You were by far the best 2nd grade teacher that ever lived!  All of your students adored you and you always went above and beyond your teaching responsibilities.  What has always stuck with me is how you generously invested your personal time with us after school (completely voluntary) . . . for those who needed a little extra help to those who were hungry to learn more, you were always there for us.  We learned, we laughed and we were INSPIRED!

 

Favorite Memory: You holding me up by my ankles over the trash can, slowly lowering me until I answered the 3rd grade math question while the other kids were laughing hysterically and cheering me on.  Of course, you would always give me a hint so I would never get "dunked", but I'll never forget my first lesson in working under pressure.

 

MR. VALENCIA, Diamond Bar High School

You were the most popular Science teacher and advisor!  From your pet iguana "Iggy" who would nod his head "yes" when you asked him a question (among other fun tricks) to your "hot seat" inquisitions in front of the class that made us all laugh . . . you taught us to respect each other's differences and that learning should be fun.  Science was the lesson, but building character was always the real subject.  We learned to be open-minded and to celebrate differences.  You taught us that being vulnerable opened up a whole new "learning library" of unique qualities, ideas and experiences.

 

Favorite Memory: Being in the "hot seat" and answering the most obscure questions in front of the class.  I was very shy and you made it fun to share and be confident in who I was, calling out and celebrating any differences through humor and respect.  My biggest lesson was learning to laugh at myself and embrace that there was no such thing as perfect or 'normal' . . . and that's FUN!

 

DR. CHARLES RUNNELS, Chancellor, Pepperdine University

You have distributed multiple scholarships to countless students in memory of your son, RALEIGH, who sadly lost his life to cancer at the young age of 17.  Of all the scholarships and financial aid that I was so generously given to allow me to complete my college years at Pepperdine, yours is the one that guided and impacted me most . . . and still does today.  I don't think there could be a bigger honor than being chosen as a recipient of a scholarship in your son's name.  I can't thank you enough for your generosity and belief in me.

 

Favorite Memory: Interviewing for the scholarship in your beautiful office and being so nervous, only to find myself laughing with you and sharing memories, hopes and dreams.  You and your calm Southern drawl put me at ease with what I always felt was a huge responsibility to make you proud.  Each year, I would update you on my accomplishments, activities and love for Pepperdine.  And each year, you would renew my scholarship, faithfully getting me through to graduation.

 

I hope I can make you proud by passing on the blind generosity you showed me and that you continue to bestow on so many others.  You have certainly taught me about the vast impact one person can make on another's life . . . and the ripple effect of paying that forward.

 

MS. GUIDI, Rheem Elementary

You are one of the most incredible teachers I've ever met.  Every day, you pour your heart into your kids and every day, my daughter comes home with an exciting story or new life lesson to share.  As a parent, I absolutely LOVE the amazing and consistent communication home about what the kids are learning as well as what they are about to learn.  You make us feel like we are a part of the class, right alongside our children throughout their learning journey.  You're that teacher that all of the kids know at school, regardless of grade, because you dedicate yourself to knowing each and every child and making them feel special and loved. Your constant visits from previous students is proof that your impact stretches well beyond their year in your class and that you still remain their favorite teacher.

 

Favorite Thing You Do: Your use of practical life examples for learning. You create fun activities across all subjects based on current events or most likely, the most recent Giants or Warriors game 😊, that the kids can completely engange in and get excited about.  Thank you for delighting our kids each and every day and transforming them into confident, bright and respectful little people. Like every parent before me, I am beyond grateful for the incredible impact you have had on my child.