We’re proud to announce that a number of members of the AUSD community have recently received a number of awards.
Four AUSD seniors were named as finalists for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship this year: Emilia Arneson (Encinal), Myles Handler and Jacob Song (Alameda High), and Edison Meals (ASTI). Winners of the scholarship will be announced later this spring and during the summer.
Four AUSD eighth grade students received Hope of America Awards from the Alameda Kiwanis earlier this month. Each year, teachers and administrators nominate students for the award, which honors those who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, moral character, and community service.
The AUSD students who received the award this year were: Lelia Lyons (Encinal Jr. Jets), Thyago Guerra (Wood Middle School), Sara Smith (Bay Farm School), and Lucas Williamson (Lincoln Middle School). The awards ceremony, which was the 27th for the Alameda Kiwanis, was held at the Elks Lodge.
Maya Lin School Principal Karen Ringewald received the Mentor of the Year award from GeoVisions, with whom AUSD partners to hire educators from the Philippines.
“Ms. Karen, school staff, personnel, and the rest of the team as one have transformed Maya Lin School into more than just an institution—it is a community,” said Jovany Docusin, the Filipino paraeducator who nominated Ms. Ringewald. “From hosting different events and fundraising activities, family engagement to organizing cultural heritage celebrations, Ms. Karen has ensured that every student and family feels seen and valued.”
Docusin continued, “Ms. Karen’s dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on the lives of students, families, and staff. It is not only for recognizing her remarkable contributions and encouragements but moreover her continued excellence in educational leadership. I am a living testimony that you can be more, you can do more, and you can grow to where you are planted if the people that surround you are on the same boat.
GeoVisions also named AUSD as the Host Company of the Year.
Finally, in a different kind of honor, AUSD encourages community members to visit a new bench installed in memory of AUSD teacher Andrew LaBarre at Chochenyo Park. Mr. LaBarre, who was the husband of Franklin kindergarten teacher Danielle LaBarre, taught at both the former Washington Elementary School (now Maya Lin School) and Ruby Bridges until he passed away in June 2022.
The bench is located near the intersection of Encinal Avenue and Park Avenue West. The memorial plaque, which features Mr. LaBarre’s picture, mentions both his teaching on the West End and his strong advocacy for social-emotional learning. “His students gained so much beyond academics, and he took the time to get to know each student so that he could support them in their interests,” his wife noted.
Andrew LaBarre was born in Philadelphia, but after his family moved to Alameda he attended Edison Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Bishop O’Dowd High School. Many Alamedans may remember that his mother, Madame (Denise) LaBarre taught French at Alameda High for about 25 years.
Susan Davis is the Senior Manager of Community Affairs for the Alameda Unified School District. Reach her at [email protected].
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