March Student & Educator of the Month Winners
The Lakers are proud to announce the March 2010 Student and Educator of the Month winners! This month’s student winners are Marissa Ochoa, Steven Soto, and Geraldine Lopez. The winning teachers are Connie Cross, Julie Zacarias, and Lupe Reyes. Each Student and Educator of the Month winner demonstrated an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach.
Marissa Ochoa is a 2nd grader at San Jose Elementary. Marissa is praised by her teachers for her excellent behavior and academic achievement. She is an honor roll student and an excellent role model for her peers.
Steven Soto is a 12th grader at La Mirada High School. Steven’s GPA is ranked third of 480 students in his senior class. He is also a Boys State Representative, LACOE art exhibit winner, and National Hispanic Board of Recognition Scholar. Steven is also a member of the La Mirada varsity swim team.
Geraldine Lopez is an 8th grader at Olive Vista Middle School. Geraldine is a dedicated student, using her free time to work on her math skills by observing a 2nd Algebra class. She is also a leader outside of the classroom, as Captain of the school and a member of the Cookie Club, Olive Vista’s community service club.
Connie Cross is a reading intervention teacher at Tulsa Street Elementary. Ms. Cross works directly with kindergarten through 2nd grade students who are struggling with reading, and guides other teachers with useful reading instruction techniques and strategies. Outside of school she is involved as a lector at her church and a team leader at a ministry for the poor.
Julie Zacarias is a 3rd grade teacher at Corpus Christi School. Ms. Zacarias has helped her 3rd grade students show dramatic growth this academic year. She has helped all students by pioneering the Corpus Christi Laptop Program and showing them extraordinary dedication.
Lupe Reyes is a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Roosevelt Middle School. Ms. Reyes is Special Education teacher and department chairperson who continually offers support and expertise to her fellow teachers. She also coordinates Hispanic Heritage events for her school’s students, parents and staff.
Each Student and Educator of the Month winner was invited to the home game on March 21st against the Washington Wizards. They were honored during a halftime presentation where they received a plaque and a $50 gift certificate to Staples. The nominations for the March Student and Educator of the Month were submitted by principals and teachers of each school based on exemplary teaching efforts, academic achievement or extracurricular activities.
