Education Buzz for Sunday, June 12

Tulare County Excellence in Education winners announced

The Tulare County Office of Education has announced its Excellence in Education winners for 2016. A total of 26 nominations were received and awards were given out in three educational categories.

The Administrator of the Year award was given to Luis Cobarruvias, dean of students at Mission Oak High School. Lana Brown, deputy superintendent for Lindsay Unified School District, and Brian Roberts, a theatre company director/instructional consultant at the Tulare County Office of Education were finalists.

Teacher of the Year was awarded to Stephen Amundson, a history/social science teacher at Tulare Western High School. Finalists were Michael Allard, an orchestra director at Harmony Magnet Academy, and Benjamin Cooper, a third-grade teacher at Alpine Vista School.

School Employee of the Year was given to Erik Gonzales, a student advocate at John J. Cairns Continuation High School. Finalists were Juana Gray, a guidance counselor at Harmony Magnet Academy, and Jeanette Medina, an instructional assistant at Jefferson Elementary School.

Award recipients, finalists and nominees will be honored on Nov. 2 with a recognition breakfast and a video highlighting the winners’ accomplishments.

This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 4:03 PM with the headline "Education Buzz for Sunday, June 12."