Kraemer teacher Shane Twamley honored as a “hero” at Angels baseball game

Kraemer Middle School language arts teacher Shane Twamley was honored with a “Teachers are Heroes” award at a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball game on Wednesday, July 20. Mr. Twamley was nominated by a former student from over 25 years ago, Mario Zavala.

The contest was sponsored by Angels Radio AM 830, in partnership with Azusa Pacific University. This honor is designed to recognize the heroes in the classroom – our teachers!

Mr. Twamley and three guests were invited to the Angels vs. Texas Rangers game on July 20 to receive his prize, which included four field passes for a pre-game recognition ceremony. Several Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) administrators and teachers from several different schools also came out to support Mr. Twamley’s wonderful achievement.

Mr. Twamley was selected as a “hero” from among several entries submitted by students across Southern California. Students were asked, “Why is your teacher a hero?” Mr. Zavala from Riverside heard the message on the radio, signed up on the station’s website (www.am830.net) and nominated Mr. Twamley as his hero.

As you can see in the write-up below, Mr. Twamley’s efforts, dedication and passion for what he does have made a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of students, including Mr. Zavala.

Why is your teacher a hero?

Mr. T takes time to give actual time to every one of his students, sometimes that’s all any person needs. This time is so important to underprivileged kids that can be drawn in by gangs seeking a male figure … Mr. T did this for me when I was his class in the seventh grade at 12 years old; I was homeless … he vested time to make sure that I knew that someone cared and wanted me to do good. I’m 39 years old now and I work for an auto manufacturer in management. In closing, this is a good man that has touched so many lives along his path of teaching and mentoring, he now needs to be recognized for all of his efforts and the impact to lives he has touched. If you don’t believe how important he is to his students and community, I’m almost 40 and I still stay in contact with him as many of his past students do!

Congratulations, Shane!

Click here for our Facebook album titled “Shane Twamley ‘Teachers are Heroes’ Recognition.”