At the recent Council meeting, members of the Colton City Council recognized (14) local teachers and proclaimed June 4 as Colton Teacher Appreciation Day. As Dr.G read their names, he also presented them with a certificate from the Council, and announced their subject matter and school.
The teachers are employed with the Colton Joint Unified School District and represented a variety of subjects including Welding, 4th grade, College and Career Readiness, Band, HEAL Program, Auto Shop, Math, Wellness Program, History and Graphic Communication. In addition, two of the teachers, Jennie Blenkinsop and David Wheatley were announced as being recently retired, 28 years and 32 years, respectively.
The Teacher Appreciation program was established by DrG in 2019, when he himself retired after teaching 41 years. As such, there is a close connection that exists between the Council and the Colton Public Schools. All 14 teachers were in attendance, and several were accompanied by spouses and families. The atmosphere during the presentation was positive and uplifting as every individual in the audience has been impacted by a teacher.
When reading the proclamation, DrG emphasized, “The Teacher Appreciation Day is an important occasion for all of us,” and continued, “Teachers make a positive contribution to our children’s education and their success. They are true heroes in our community, who through their dedication to their students, work millions of small miracles every day.”
The recipients of this recognition were as follows;
Chris Barta – Colton High School, Welding
Jennie Blinkinsop – Lincoln Elementary School, 4thgrade (2024 Retired)
Deenica Burns – Joe Baca Middle School, College & Career Readiness
Aron Campbell – Colton High School, Band
Kristin Griffith – Colton High School, HEAL Program
Dawna Hughes – Colton High School HEAL Program
Megan Kelley – Colton High School, HEAL Program
Marcos Meza – Colton High School, Auto Shop
Robert Montano – Colton High School, Math
Theresa Rago – Colton High School, Wellness Program
Sara Starbuck - Lincoln Elementary School, 4thgrade
Myriam Whall – Colton High School, Wellness Program
David Wheatley – Colton High School, History (2024 Retired)
Tom Wurz – Colton High School, Graphic Communications
These fourteen local teachers are to be congratulated for their success in educating the students of Colton, and represent positive role-models and mentors that can be counted on to guide and lead our students through their educational journeys. The City of Colton continues to support the teachers in the public schools and is honored to recognize these outstanding teachers as part of the Colton Teacher Appreciation Day for 2024.