County education medal of honor winners announced
Six champions of public education representing the Central
School District, Colton Joint Unified, Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional
Occupational Program, Redlands Unified and San Bernardino City Unified
will be announced at the 18th annual San Bernardino County Education Medal
of Honor ceremony on April 27.
School District, Colton Joint Unified, Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional
Occupational Program, Redlands Unified and San Bernardino City Unified
will be announced at the 18th annual San Bernardino County Education Medal
of Honor ceremony on April 27.
The awards dinner will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the University of Redlands' Casa Loma Room.
Each year, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
(SBCSS) along with the San Bernardino County School Boards Association and
County Communicators Network, recognizes individuals and groups who give
outstanding service and support to public education with the San Bernardino
County Education Medal of Honor.
"I am so proud of the work these individuals, groups and business partners do to support public education in our county," County
Superintendent Gary Thomas said. "This truly is a celebration of the
commitment and dedication these recipients perform in service to our schools
and students."
The six categories, respective winners and districts served are:
Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer, Barbara ³Bobbi² Cummings, community
volunteers for Redlands Unified School District; Volunteer in Action/Service
Group, Delta Rho Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, San
Bernardino City Unified; Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise,
Chuck Wilburn, owner of Shakey¹s Pizza, Redlands Unified; Partners in
Education/Corporation, Eileen Gallardo, human resources manager for
Gottschalks, Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program;
Excellence in Education/Education Professional, Thomas Nalbach, Central
School District; and Excellence in Education/Student Alumni, Roger Kowalski,
retired administrator, Colton Joint Unified.
Following are narratives on each of the individual winners.
Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer
When it comes to being a volunteer, Bobbi Cummings is a pro at
it. Whether she¹s involved in multiple schools' PTAs or serving on the
Redlands Unified School District¹s bond oversight committee, Cummings is a
tireless contributor to making school experiences better for students.
"Bobbi exemplifies the positive relationships that can define
the way a school interacts with the community," wrote John Maloney,
principal of Redlands East Valley High School, in the nomination of
Cummings.
Cummings has worked on parent association groups at five
Redlands school sites, as well as worked on the district¹s PTA as well as
San Bernardino County's Fifth District PTA. For the past five years, she has
chaired the district¹s artistic Reflections program, which encourages
student involvement in literature, music, visual arts, photography, video
and dance. In addition, she established elementary choral programs at Arroyo
Verde and Highland Grove schools the only schools in the district with
choral programs.
Volunteer in Action/Service Group
With more than 27 years of service to the San Bernardino City
Unified School District, the Delta Rho Chapter of the National Sorority of
Phi Delta Kappa has impacted students in its programs and teachers through
its mentoring.
Founded in 1982, the Delta Rho Chapter has followed the national
organization¹s mission to stimulate professional growth among teachers while
promoting the highest ideals of the profession. Monthly, Delta Rho holds
³teacherama² sessions at California State University, San Bernardino, or at
local libraries. For the last 26 years, it has inspired thousands of
elementary and middle school students with its Black History Bee. The group
also has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students
over the last decade.
"Through the years, the students and community of San Bernardino
County have continued to benefit from the generosity and caring work of the
Delta Rho Chapter,: wrote Arturo Delgado, superintendent of the San
Bernardino City Unified School District, in his nomination of the group.
Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise
Chuck Wilburn, owner of Shakey's Pizza in Redlands, does believe
there are such things as free lunches. As a benefactor for 15 elementary
schools in the Redlands Unified School District, he sponsors the free Lunch
with the Principal program for students each month.
"His dedication to our schools, specifically to the students of
Redlands Unified, his exemplary work ethic and community spirit, and his
ability to work effectively with each and every person whom he comes into
contact speak highly for the lasting impact he makes on the lives of all of
those who he touches," wrote Luanna Kloepfer, principal of Crafton Hills
Elementary, in her nomination of Wilburn.
This is the second Education Medal of Honor for Wilburn, who
also received the honor in 1994. Wilburn¹s generous contributions have made
an impact on generations of students, as former Lunch with the Principal
participants have returned to the pizza parlor with their own children to
share their experiences.
Partners in Education/Corporation
For the last seven years, about 90 Workability students have
been able to gain valuable on-the-job training through the generosity of
retailer Gottschalks in Redlands.
"Their efforts have made a great impact on these students, and
their contributions continue to enhance and support education for students,"
wrote Kathy Callaway and Barbara Scott of the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa
Regional Occupational program, who nominated Eileen Gallardo, Gottschalks'
manager of human resources, for the award.
The Workability program helps high school students with special
needs in finding employment opportunities in their communities. It promotes
career education while assisting students in completing their secondary
educations. Gallardo has fostered strong relationships with students,
working with them on their initial interviews and providing tips to help
them through the process.
In addition to her work assisting workability students, Gallardo
also participates in CRY-ROP's Community Classroom program, where she shares
her worksite with other instructors.
Excellence in Education/Education Professional
For the past three decades, Tom Nalbach has been sharing his
love for music with students at Cucamonga Middle School in the Central
School District. He still receives updates from his former students who
remark about what an impact he has made on their lives even decades after
being out of his classroom.
"Tom has carried the banner of music education throughout his
professional work," wrote Barbara Rich, board member for the Central School
District, in her nomination of Nalbach. He has been a music teacher in the
district since 1973. He recently received an update from one of his former
students in the Œ70s.
"Thank you for instilling in me the gift and the life-long love
of music, which I have encouraged and passed to my own children," wrote his
former student Liz Goins. "I wanted to say thank you and bless you for
sharing your gift with me and all the students since (I left Cucamonga
Middle)."
Each year, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
(SBCSS) along with the San Bernardino County School Boards Association and
County Communicators Network, recognizes individuals and groups who give
outstanding service and support to public education with the San Bernardino
County Education Medal of Honor.
"I am so proud of the work these individuals, groups and business partners do to support public education in our county," County
Superintendent Gary Thomas said. "This truly is a celebration of the
commitment and dedication these recipients perform in service to our schools
and students."
The six categories, respective winners and districts served are:
Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer, Barbara ³Bobbi² Cummings, community
volunteers for Redlands Unified School District; Volunteer in Action/Service
Group, Delta Rho Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, San
Bernardino City Unified; Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise,
Chuck Wilburn, owner of Shakey¹s Pizza, Redlands Unified; Partners in
Education/Corporation, Eileen Gallardo, human resources manager for
Gottschalks, Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program;
Excellence in Education/Education Professional, Thomas Nalbach, Central
School District; and Excellence in Education/Student Alumni, Roger Kowalski,
retired administrator, Colton Joint Unified.
Following are narratives on each of the individual winners.
Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer
When it comes to being a volunteer, Bobbi Cummings is a pro at
it. Whether she¹s involved in multiple schools' PTAs or serving on the
Redlands Unified School District¹s bond oversight committee, Cummings is a
tireless contributor to making school experiences better for students.
"Bobbi exemplifies the positive relationships that can define
the way a school interacts with the community," wrote John Maloney,
principal of Redlands East Valley High School, in the nomination of
Cummings.
Cummings has worked on parent association groups at five
Redlands school sites, as well as worked on the district¹s PTA as well as
San Bernardino County's Fifth District PTA. For the past five years, she has
chaired the district¹s artistic Reflections program, which encourages
student involvement in literature, music, visual arts, photography, video
and dance. In addition, she established elementary choral programs at Arroyo
Verde and Highland Grove schools the only schools in the district with
choral programs.
Volunteer in Action/Service Group
With more than 27 years of service to the San Bernardino City
Unified School District, the Delta Rho Chapter of the National Sorority of
Phi Delta Kappa has impacted students in its programs and teachers through
its mentoring.
Founded in 1982, the Delta Rho Chapter has followed the national
organization¹s mission to stimulate professional growth among teachers while
promoting the highest ideals of the profession. Monthly, Delta Rho holds
³teacherama² sessions at California State University, San Bernardino, or at
local libraries. For the last 26 years, it has inspired thousands of
elementary and middle school students with its Black History Bee. The group
also has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students
over the last decade.
"Through the years, the students and community of San Bernardino
County have continued to benefit from the generosity and caring work of the
Delta Rho Chapter,: wrote Arturo Delgado, superintendent of the San
Bernardino City Unified School District, in his nomination of the group.
Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise
Chuck Wilburn, owner of Shakey's Pizza in Redlands, does believe
there are such things as free lunches. As a benefactor for 15 elementary
schools in the Redlands Unified School District, he sponsors the free Lunch
with the Principal program for students each month.
"His dedication to our schools, specifically to the students of
Redlands Unified, his exemplary work ethic and community spirit, and his
ability to work effectively with each and every person whom he comes into
contact speak highly for the lasting impact he makes on the lives of all of
those who he touches," wrote Luanna Kloepfer, principal of Crafton Hills
Elementary, in her nomination of Wilburn.
This is the second Education Medal of Honor for Wilburn, who
also received the honor in 1994. Wilburn¹s generous contributions have made
an impact on generations of students, as former Lunch with the Principal
participants have returned to the pizza parlor with their own children to
share their experiences.
Partners in Education/Corporation
For the last seven years, about 90 Workability students have
been able to gain valuable on-the-job training through the generosity of
retailer Gottschalks in Redlands.
"Their efforts have made a great impact on these students, and
their contributions continue to enhance and support education for students,"
wrote Kathy Callaway and Barbara Scott of the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa
Regional Occupational program, who nominated Eileen Gallardo, Gottschalks'
manager of human resources, for the award.
The Workability program helps high school students with special
needs in finding employment opportunities in their communities. It promotes
career education while assisting students in completing their secondary
educations. Gallardo has fostered strong relationships with students,
working with them on their initial interviews and providing tips to help
them through the process.
In addition to her work assisting workability students, Gallardo
also participates in CRY-ROP's Community Classroom program, where she shares
her worksite with other instructors.
Excellence in Education/Education Professional
For the past three decades, Tom Nalbach has been sharing his
love for music with students at Cucamonga Middle School in the Central
School District. He still receives updates from his former students who
remark about what an impact he has made on their lives even decades after
being out of his classroom.
"Tom has carried the banner of music education throughout his
professional work," wrote Barbara Rich, board member for the Central School
District, in her nomination of Nalbach. He has been a music teacher in the
district since 1973. He recently received an update from one of his former
students in the Œ70s.
"Thank you for instilling in me the gift and the life-long love
of music, which I have encouraged and passed to my own children," wrote his
former student Liz Goins. "I wanted to say thank you and bless you for
sharing your gift with me and all the students since (I left Cucamonga
Middle)."
Excellence in Education/Student Alumni
Growing up in Bloomington, Roger Kowalski was a member of the
high school¹s first graduating class in 1965. As an adult who returned as an
educator to his alma mater and later moved into administration, Kowalski
made a lasting impact with his 38 years of service to Colton Joint Unified.
After retiring from the district in August 2008, Kowalski¹s
legacy in the schools and across the area lives among his former students
who have returned to work for the district.
"He has had such a tremendous influence on me and countless
others that it simply has to be celebrated," wrote Mike Snellings, now the
assistant superintendent for Student Services for Colton.
Kowalski was legendary for his work ethic, going 28 years
without missing a day of work for being sick before retiring. He also helped
organize efforts to build Bloomington High¹s football stadium in 1984,
including pouring the concrete foundation for the bleachers. Even in
retirement, Kowalski has made a positive impact, chairing a bond campaign
last fall that passed with 74 percent voter approval.
Growing up in Bloomington, Roger Kowalski was a member of the
high school¹s first graduating class in 1965. As an adult who returned as an
educator to his alma mater and later moved into administration, Kowalski
made a lasting impact with his 38 years of service to Colton Joint Unified.
After retiring from the district in August 2008, Kowalski¹s
legacy in the schools and across the area lives among his former students
who have returned to work for the district.
"He has had such a tremendous influence on me and countless
others that it simply has to be celebrated," wrote Mike Snellings, now the
assistant superintendent for Student Services for Colton.
Kowalski was legendary for his work ethic, going 28 years
without missing a day of work for being sick before retiring. He also helped
organize efforts to build Bloomington High¹s football stadium in 1984,
including pouring the concrete foundation for the bleachers. Even in
retirement, Kowalski has made a positive impact, chairing a bond campaign
last fall that passed with 74 percent voter approval.
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