On May 19, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Board of Education proudly hosted its annual Community Honoree Celebration at the Forum Theater at Yorba Linda High School. This cherished tradition recognized 39 outstanding volunteers—one from each of the district’s 34 school sites as well as the adult education program—whose contributions make a lasting impact on students, schools, and the broader community.
Each honoree was recognized for their unwavering dedication and selfless service in support of PYLUSD’s mission to inspire all students through high-quality, relevant educational experiences. These individuals exemplify the district’s core values of excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Their commitment helps foster a positive learning environment and empowers students to grow into responsible, ethical citizens.
Dr. Liz Leon, Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Mr. Jose Cabrera, Assistant Director of Federal Programs, led the celebration by sharing heartfelt remarks about each honoree’s unique impact. Every volunteer was presented with a “You Are the Advantage” certificate of achievement, a symbol of the district’s sincere appreciation. Principals proudly accompanied their school’s honorees on stage, where they were congratulated by members of the Board of Education and district leadership. Each volunteer also received a commemorative PYLUSD challenge coin as a meaningful token of gratitude.
The theater was filled with applause, laughter, and joyful cheers from family, friends, colleagues, and community members who came together to honor the volunteers. The evening served not only as a celebration of individual contributions but also as a powerful reminder of the vital role that community support plays in the success of every PYLUSD student.
| School | Community Honoree |
| Brookhaven Elementary School | Cassandra Hersh |
| Bryant Ranch School | Kristy Case |
| Fairmont Elementary School | Pam Bouch |
| Glenknoll Elementary School | Patricia Walter |
| Glenview Elementary School | Thomas Canfield |
| Golden Elementary School | Stephanie Fehlen |
| Lakeview Elementary School | Christine Lee |
| Linda Vista Elementary School | Nicole Hunter and Autumn Cohen |
| Mabel Paine Elementary School | Jessica and Nick Zingali |
| Melrose Elementary School | Stacey Wong |
| Morse Elementary School | Arlene Alonso and Julian Rodriguez |
| Rio Vista Elementary School | Elizabeth Medina |
| Rose Drive Elementary School | Laura Nunez |
| Ruby Drive Elementary School | Lilana Hernandez |
| Sierra Vista Elementary School | Myra Greenlee |
| Topaz Elementary School | Jeanette Arrieta |
| Travis Ranch School (TK-8) | Stacy Stem |
| Tynes Elementary School | Lulu Chandler |
| Van Buren Elementary School | Mirella Voelker |
| Wagner Elementary School | Becky Demboski |
| Woodsboro Elementary School | Rosemary Bergmann |
| Kraemer Middle School | Amy Shultz |
| Orange County School of Computer Science | April Gavrilovic |
| Tuffree Middle School | Maria Anselmi |
| Valadez Middle School Academy | Grace Cardona |
| Yorba Linda Middle School | Carina Bindra |
| El Camino Real High School | Minerva Gandara |
| El Dorado High School | Dr. Fred Shum |
| Esperanza High School | Allison Garay |
| Valencia High School | Jaime Griffin |
| Yorba Linda High School | Heidi Barnes |
| Buena Vista Virtual Academy (K-12) | My Pham |
| George Key School | Kimberly Kanan |
| Parkview School (TK-12) | Noelle & Chris Shay |
| Venture Academy | Jose Garfias |
Be the first to comment on "PYLUSD Celebrates 2025 Community Honorees at Annual Recognition Ceremony"