By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The annual Whitewater Unified School District English Language Learners Recognition Night May 29 aimed the spotlight on ELL students who have excelled in academic achievement, exceptional behavior and leadership skills over the past year, and the teachers, administrators and staff who have supported them.
The Reaching for the Stars Award was presented to 22 top ELL students at LINCS Charter School and Washington Elementary School.
Six Whitewater Middle School ELL students received an Academic Achievement Award.
Among Whitewater High School ELL students, nine received a Graduating Senior Award, two were recognized for Academic Excellence and three were acknowledged for their service as Peer Mentors for younger ELL students.
Also recognized for their important roles in the education of the ELL students were the eight ELL teachers and staff; the principals of LINCS Charter School, Washington Elementary School, WMS and WHS; and Dr. Lanora Heim, coordinator for Special Education and Pupil Services.
Dee Simon, an ELL teacher at LINCS Charter School, was selected for special recognition by the ELL students themselves.
In a touching scene, Simon was led hand-in-hand to the stage by graduating senior Wendy Gomez who fondly remembered Simon accompanying her to the shuttle bus every day when she was a kindergartener.
The event included musical entertainment from a Mariachi band formed by WHS students John Bresser, Ben Hanson, Roland Luckett and Paul Pelayo, and ended with a potluck dinner.
