The Sweetwater Union High School District recently held a red carpet event at Olympian High School gymnasium to honor all district Teachers of the Year. The event was attended by teachers of honor, their families, dignitaries, faculty, and staff.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by former San Diego County Teacher of the Year, Don Dumas, who is a teacher at Bonita Vista High School. His inspiring words resonated with the audience and highlighted the importance of teaching and education.
During the event, the final seven Teachers of the Year were announced.
Jennifer Ekstein, Bonita Vista High School
Christianne Dayawon Vazquez, Castle Park Middle School
Leana Dillon, Chula Vista Middle School
Julia Anker, Montgomery High School
Erin Kern Graves, Montgomery Middle School
Rizalyn M. Cruz, Otay Ranch High School
Yolanda Sherard, Otay Ranch High School
These teachers will move on to the county level to compete for the title of San Diego County Teacher of the Year later this year. Their dedication and commitment to their students and the field of education were celebrated by all in attendance.
The event was a testament to the hard work and passion of the district’s teachers, who go above and beyond every day to educate and inspire their students. Congratulations to all the Teachers of the Year and best of luck to those moving on to the county level!
Thank you to the Teacher of the Year Planning Committee for a remarkable event honoring our outstanding and well-deserved teachers.
SUHSD Teachers of the Year
Dan Woodard
Teacher of the Year
Alternative Education
Misti Cheers
Teacher of the Year
Alta Vista Academy
Jennifer Ekstein
Teacher of the Year
Bonita Vista High School
Karla Leonhardt
Teacher of the Year
Bonita Vista Middle School
Ariel McDaniel
Teacher of the Year
Castle Park High School
Christianne Dayawon
Teacher of the Year
Castle Park Middle School
Patrick Mallory
Teacher of the Year
Chula Vista High School
Leana Dillon
Teacher of the Year
Chula Vista Middle School
Edgar Martinez
Teacher of the Year
East Hills Academy
Heather Wood
Teacher of the Year
Eastlake High School
Derrick Almero
Teacher of the Year
EastLake Middle School
Liba Isabel Gomez de la Mora
Teacher of the Year
Granger Junior High School
Lourdes Renteria
Teacher of the Year
Hilltop High School
Caitlin Julian
Teacher of the Year
Hilltop Middle School
Maria Santoyo
Teacher of the Year
Launch Virtual Academy
Julia Anker
Teacher of the Year
Montgomery High School
Erin Graves
Teacher of the Year
Montgomery Middle School
Chad Kavanagh
Teacher of the Year
Mar Vista High School
Leilani Faiai-Su’esu’e
Teacher of the Year
Mar Vista Academy
Alejandra Mondragon-Zumstein
Teacher of the Year
National City Middle School
John Mulock
Teacher of the Year
Options Secondary School
Arcenia Kumar
Teacher of the Year
Olympian High School
Rizalyn Cruz
Teacher of the Year
Otay Ranch High School
Yolanda Sherard
Teacher of the Year
Otay Ranch High School
Giana Battle
Teacher of the Year
Palomar High School
Cheryl Jones
Teacher of the Year
Rancho Del Rey Middle School
Marysol Gomez
Teacher of the Year
San Ysidro High School
Eileen Grady-Romero
Teacher of the Year
Southwest High School
Antonio Ortiz
Teacher of the Year
Southwest Middle School
Patricia Cruz
Teacher of the Year
Sweetwater High School