PUSD Recognizes Four Employees Who Inspire Students to Reach New Heights

Rolling into the new school year, Pasadena Unified School District recognized employees who made a remarkable difference in the lives of students last year.

At a back to school kickoff, PUSD featured four individuals who inspire the people around them to give above and beyond what is required to equip students for the future.

Teacher of the Year: Russell Wong

Social Science Teacher from Blair High School Russell Wong was named teacher of the year for his passionate dedication to students that beyond the reach of the classroom.

“He’s passionate about helping students become better people, not just better students,” one student said about Wong. “He is really there for us.”

Wong never thought about becoming a teacher until he taught English for three years in Japan. During those years he said he realized how satisfying it was to make connections that make a difference in kids lives.

“They say you’re a product of the people who surround you. This is a testament of all the interactions I’ve had with people at PUSD. I’m the teacher I am and a better person because my interactions with all of you,” Wong said.

Through interactive exchanges in the classroom Wong teaches students how basic economics works and involves his students in review games that help the material stick. Wong said his students learn the most when they don’t realize they are learning and are simply having fun.

 

Volunteer of the year: Lydia Finkley

Lydia Finkley is the mother of three PUSD students attending Wilson Middle School, Norma Coombs, and Field Elementary.

When she came across challenges with her children in the classroom, she was referred to the district. Since then she got involved and attends all the meetings at the school sites and the district. She also serves on the school site council.

“She’s a champion for our schools and the community. Her energy and enthusiasm to ensure a rigorous and enriching education not only for her own children, but for all children in Pasadena Unified School District is what makes her stand out,” Wilson Middle School Principal Sarah Rudchenko said.

Rudchenko called Finkley a real super hero describing her in several words—commitment, energetic, honest, integrity, and listens to take action. Other teachers said Finkley helps the school stay student centered, always focusing on what is good for the children.

“I’m here to partner with you. I’m a sidekick,” Finkley said. “You don’t get involved as a volunteer to be recognized like this. Thank you.”

Finkley encouraged more parents to get involved in the classroom.

 

Classified Employee of the year: Rosa Eto

Rosa Eto works as a Teacher’s assistant at Cleveland Elementary. She was described as intelligent, kind, and honest.

Eto humbly came to the stage to accept the award. Shannon Malone, Principal of Cleveland Elementary who introduced her said she had to be coaxed be nominated in the first place.

“She said that all she did was to show up everyday and do her best. I believe that’s the exact quality we should honor in all of us is the act of showing up everyday and doing our best for students,” Malone said.

Eto helps children, many of whom do not speak English, with writing, reading tests, and academic development. The many kids on featured on a video about Eto repeatedly said, “We love you Mrs. Eto.”

“I just hope that we are giving them everything that we can education wise. I hope we are setting a good example to how to go out and meet the challenges they are going to have. I think we’re doing that. I hope we’re doing that and I hope I do that,” Eto said.

 

Principal of the Year: Mark Anderson

Energetic Marshal High School Principal Mark Anderson received the honor of Principal of the Year, known for his “profound unrivaled pride” for Marshall.

“Marshall is the greatest school and I have the greatest job,” Anderson said. “The classified staff is the backbone of the school.”

In his three years at Marshall, he has challenged the students to create a brand for the school with a logo. With the eagle wings logo he established a vision for the school—the wings represent that the students are to soar to success. Embrace diversity, act responsibly, graduate prepared, lead with integrity, engage in learning and succeed.

Teachers said Anderson is available, he shows up, he is fun-loving, and connects well with the students. He also instituted “Bow tie Thursdays.”