Walnut Valley Board Lauds Star Students and Community Partners

Srijani Krishnan was named the 2013-2014 Super Star student from Maple Hill Elementary School.

“We are proud to recognize Srijani tonight. She is a 5th grade student, but her journey started in 4th grade. This is a very special young lady,” Principal Nancy Stingley said. Last year, Srijani applied for a grant from Disney’s Friends for Change program. She was awarded a $1,000 for the passionate grant she wrote to provide awareness to students at Maple Hill and in the Diamond Bar community. Disney partner Youth Service of America funds the national initiative program. 

Srijani has launched an anti-bullying club to give kids a voice.

“Through her Take a Break and Break Free Club, Srijani is providing an additional forum where students can speak up and speak out against bullying,” Stingley explained. “Our staff admires her initiative and her passion for this cause,” she said.

“I think what you’ve done has changed the school and I know you have a bright future ahead of you,” Board President Helen Hall said. 

Quail Summit Elementary Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo introduced Super Star students Jillian Swartout and Lukas Liebe.

“Sometimes the best way to do things is through pictures,” she said. The “Amazing Jillian” and “Super Hero Luke” video tributes celebrated the star students with their friends, in class and on the playground.

“These amazing 5th grade kids have demonstrated perseverance, courage and are wonderfully kind,” she said. 

Sylvan Learning Center in Diamond Bar received the Partner in Education Award from Quail Summit and Maple Hill Elementary. The Diamond Bar tutoring center has been a longtime partner with both schools.

“Sylvan has been an amazing help to Quail Summit,” said Principal Hobbs. 

“When it was our opportunity to share and celebrate those who have supported us - Sylvan was the first to come to mind. They show up, they support us when we have needs and they provide for us,” she said.

“Sylvan has provided tutoring scholarships, sent volunteers to read in classrooms, participated during Dr. Seuss Read Across America week, provided snacks for staff meetings, cookies for parent educational nights, Kleenex and hand sanitizers for our classrooms, and gift baskets for Community Club functions. They have been a tremendous support to Maple Hill and we are extremely grateful for the partnership,” said Principal Stingley.