The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, their Partners in Education Foundation and Kids Are Worth A Million presented the annual Outstanding Educational Program Awards Dinner on Friday, May 12 at the renowned La Costa Resort and Spa.

More than 350 people were in attendance that evening to salute 41 exceptional teachers and their outstanding educational programs, as well as recognize 18 schools from three local school districts: Carlsbad Unified, Encinitas Union and San Marcos Unified.

During the event, Kids Are Worth A Million's Julie Baker presented a check for more than $300,000 to Dr. John Roach, Superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District and Lisa Rodman, President of the Board of Trustees.

For the first time in the event's ten-year history, the Carlsbad Chamber partnered with Kids Are Worth A Million. The partnership was established due to a shared vision to support education. The mission of both foundations is to create and enhance educational opportunities and programs for both students and faculty by developing a partnership between local schools and the Carlsbad business community.

Wine tasting, compliments of Orfila Winery, was included in the evening reception preceding the dinner and awards presentation. Display boards illustrating the honored programs adorned the foyer of the Costa del Sol Ballroom and the dinner tables were ornamented with beautiful glass bowl centerpieces filled with flowers donated from local shops (Dos Gringos, Flower of La Costa Farms, Flowers Forever, Ocean Breeze Flowers, Ohana Creations, and Sunfresh Flowers).

Awards were presented for outstanding educational programs. The categories were: Innovative Program, Entrepreneurial Program, Adopted or Adapted Program and Science Program. Finalists received certificates from elected officials and a $100 check from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that obtains, raises, and administers funds for educational purposes to K-12 public schools serving the City of Carlsbad.

Award winners received a $500 check, a commemorative plaque and a day of indulgent spa treatments at the beautiful Spa at La Costa. The resort was the co-sponsor of the event. Award sponsors were LEGOLAND California, North County Times, RAM Enterprises International, Sylvan Learning Center of Encinitas and Invitrogen Corporation.

Dan Cohen from Channel 8 News served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Mayor Bud Lewis, Mayor Pro Tem Matt Hall, and City Council Member Norine Sigafoose were in attendance, along with reps from the offices of Senator Bill Morrow and Assemblyman Mark Wyland. Other VIPs included Dr. John Roach (Superintendent of Carlsbad Unified School District), Lisa Rodman (Carlsbad Unified School Board President), Dr. Lean King (Superintendent of Encinitas Union School District) and Lisa Kuder (Encinitas Union School Board President).


Congratulations to our award winners!

Most Outstanding Innovative Program
Mission Estancia Elementary School
Mayla Guth
Pet Sponsorship Program

Most Outstanding Adopted or Adapted Program (tie)
Aviara Oaks Middle School
Jennifer Irlen
AOMS Orchestra

Carlsbad High School
Doug Green
CHSTV

Most Outstanding Entrepreneurial Program
Calavera Hills Elementary School
Kris Hejny
Doggie Dollars

Most Outstanding Science Program
Kelly Elementary School
Marta Arroyo, Michelle Gizzi, Erica Gross, Judy Pounds, Pat Slattery
Germs Make Me Sick




Congratulations to all of our award finalists!

Innovative Program finalists:
El Camino Creek Elementary School
Ashley Tarquin
Where Nature Touches Education

Mission Estancia Elementary School
Mayla Guth
Pet Sponsorship Program

Pacific Rim Elementary School
Tammy Chandler, Alice Cooney, Sandi Ehlert, Anne Hampton, Julia Paris, Meagan Parks, Tricia Rowe
The Annual Second Grade Ancestor Project

Valley Middle School
Doug Green
Valley Middle School Television

Adopted or Adapted Program finalists:
Aviara Oaks Elementary School
Emma Cobb
The Lunch Bunch

Aviara Oaks Middle School
Jennifer Irlen
AOMS Orchestra

Buena Vista Elementary School
Dolores Fangon, Shane Little
Organics

Carlsbad High School
Doug Green
CHSTV

Carlsbad Village Academy
Heather Chamberlain
Special Day Class for Emotionally Disturbed Students

Carrillo Elementary School
Kristine Mehler
Peace Patrol

Magnolia Elementary School
Penni Barachkov, Joan Bray, Lisa Clark, Betsy Lamb, Denise Sugrue
Your Character Really Counts

Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary
Luciann Borja, Dawn Gilroy
Global Leadership Through UNICEF


Entrepreneurial Program finalists:
Calavera Hills Elementary School
Kris Hejny
Doggie Dollars

Calavera Hills Middle School
Corey Cooper, Chad Mitchell
Show Me the Money

La Costa Heights Elementary School
Teodomiro Borja
La Costa Heights Popcorn Company


Science Program finalists:
Calavera Hills Middle School
Tom Palenscar
Environmental Science

Hope Elementary School
Cherie Lawrence, Kathy Nienhaus, Erin Wilson
Coast Keeper Kelp Restoration/Sea Camp

Jefferson Elementary School
Irma Amezcua, Arlene Gnade, Espe Horrell, Laura Langarica, Teresa Stowe
First, Into the Sea

Kelly Elementary School
Marta Arroyo, Michelle Gizzi, Erica Gross, Judy Pounds, Pat Slattery
Germs Make Me Sick

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