30 Southern California Teachers named Earth Month Heroes

Thirty teachers, grades K-12, have been selected for recognition throughout the month of April as “Earth Month Heroes” for their continued support of environmental education in Southern California area schools. Teachers from Los Angeles and Orange Counties were selected after an open nomination process by parents, students, and peers throughout February and March for their ability in their respective subject areas (Math, Science, Art, General Education) to spark environmental interest among their students. Each winning teacher will receive a $500 cash prize for their classroom and be recognized for one day in April as an Environmental Hero in their community. One teacher among the winners will also receive a $5,000 grand prize to support their environmental education efforts. The grand prize winner will be further recognized at a public reception at the Los Angeles County Science Fair on April 16 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

The Earth Month Heroes program was created by the Wyland Foundation and its educational outreach partner, Toyota, to recognize teachers who are continuing to provide environmental education in the face of budget cuts. Other sponsors include KCAL / KCBS and AES, with support from the LA Office of Education. “Instead of focusing on one activity for Earth Day, we want to celebrate the teachers out there who are changing attitudes year round about the environment,” said Wyland, an environmental artist best known for his monumental marine life murals. “These are selfless, dedicated, and extremely talented people who year after year invest their own personal resources to enhance the educational experience for their students.”

Congratulations to the top 30 Earth Month Hero Teachers:

Benjamin Kay, Santa Monica High School
Bill Kulencavich, Dodson Middle School
Candace Leuthold, Early College High School
Carol Kemp, Goddard Middle School
Dana Martens, Dale Junior High School
Delores Dang-Wright, Dana Hills High School
Elizabeth Kerr, San Clemente High School
Elyssa Zuer, Aliso Viejo Middle School
Fran Delaney Barron, Niemes Elementary School
Ginger Demers, Rio Hondo Preparatory School
Greg Gardiner, Huntington Beach High School
Jeff Cornelius, Lexington Junior High School
Jennifer Horton, Henry Clay Middle School
Jill Rivero, St. Anne School
John Karns, Cypress High School
John Teutimez III, Hope Special Education Center
Judy Riemenschneider, John C Fremont High School
Mary Simun, Redondo Union High School
Matthew Morrissey, Environmental Charter High School
Michael Gower, Environmental Charter High School
Mike Trimmel, Lakeside Middle School
Mimi Philips, Marina High School
Peggy Simpson, San Gabriel High School
Ramona Talampas, Suzanne Middle School
Sophia Derrig, San Juan Elementary
Sue Puccinelli, Vista Del Mar Middle School
Susan Norton, Esperanza Elementary
Vivian Okoro, San Gabriel High School
Jaime Kunze, The Pegasus School
Jason Huffman, Calvary Chapel Junior High School