Fullerton educator named 2024 top teacher by Parenting OC
Elizabeth Ellison, an English teacher at Fisler School in Fullerton, has been named Parenting OC 2024 Top Teacher.
Ellison teaches seventh and eighth graders and was nominated for her innovation and dedication in the field of education. She creates imaginative ways to impart knowledge in literature, writing and language skills.
Ellison excels in numerous areas, one notable example being her ability to foster a positive classroom atmosphere that encourages active participation and prompts students to draw meaningful connections between the curriculum and the real world. She empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
Ellison strives to instill a lasting appreciation for English language arts, evident in the annual Author’s Tea, where students share their literary works with parents and the community, celebrating their accomplishments as budding writers.
Passionate about community service and leadership development, Ellison worked with other teachers to bring the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) program to Fisler School. As an NJHS adviser, she guides students in giving back to their community, emphasizing the importance of their roles as leaders in society.
Ellison’s influence goes beyond the classroom as she actively supports fellow educators. She has served on the Joint PAR (Peer Assistance Review) Committee for many years and helps teachers thrive within a supportive community. She also has contributed by successfully writing grants to bring new innovation to Fisler School, serving on school committees, being a mentor teacher, union representative, site lead teacher and lead ELA curriculum adviser, among other roles.
Parenting OC has been recognizing top teachers and employees for more than 10 years. It seeks to recognize educators, employees and administrators who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty.
– Submitted by Fullerton School District
Three Laguna Niguel mail carriers reach major milestone
In a world of constant driver distractions, three Laguna Niguel mail carriers maintain their focus and concern on the safety of themselves and others on the road. This focus on safety earned them entry into the elite National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club.
They are 37-year mail carrier Adam Dube, 32-year mail carrier Charles Jensen and 30-year mail carrier Sherry Garrett.
The secret to staying accident-free starts with having the right mindset, according to Dube.
“By observing the rules of the road and being aware of my surroundings, you can keep yourself and others safe,” he said.
Jensen said safety means consistency.
“There can be a lot of distractions when delivering mail in Laguna Niguel,” he said. “My advice is to stay focused on what you’re doing.”
Garrett emphasized the importance of good safety habits from the start.
“My tip for new carriers is always check your mirrors before you pull out into traffic and use your emergency flashers when you can to help other motorists see you,” she said.
Each of the three has driven the equivalent of circling Earth 40 times, all without a moving violation or accident, while maneuvering hazardous road conditions, gridlock and rural terrain, and avoiding careless drivers along the way.
Nationally, postal drivers log more than 1.5 billion miles annually while delivering to more than 159 million homes and businesses in every city, suburb and town in America as they make the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
Dube, Jensen and Garrett each will be presented with a plaque from the National Safety Council and automatic membership in its prestigious Million Mile Club. The million-mile award is a lifetime enrollment, and it is given to drivers who have accumulated 1 million miles, or 30 years of driving, without being involved in a single preventable motor vehicle accident.
– Submitted by United States Postal Service
Buena Park High School teacher honored as California finalist for Ag Educator of the Year
Educators devote countless time, and often their own resources, to help students pursue their passions.
The California Future Farmers of America, California Farm Bureau and Nationwide insurer named Marlisa Nordstrom, an agricultural teacher at Buena Park High School, as a finalist for the 2023-2024 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
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Nordstrom was presented with a plaque and a $500 check in front of fellow teachers, students and supporters at the 2024 State FFA Leadership Conference, March 21-24 in Sacramento. She was one of six finalists who was considered for California’s Ag Educator of the Year Award.
“The six state finalists showcase extraordinary commitment to equipping students with foundational skills, leadership qualities and essential knowledge for the future,” said Charles Parker, California FFA adviser. “These educators extend beyond traditional classroom instruction, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for success.”
Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support their programs with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. This year, the award program honored outstanding ag educators in 11 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
– Submitted by the California FFA Foundation
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to ocrbravo@gmail.com.
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