Debbie Judge, an Almaden resident who teaches second grade at Bagby Elementary School in the Cambrian School District, and Westmont High School math teacher Lynn Walton, were recognized as what the foundation calls "unsung heroes" for their work.

Along with two teachers from the Fremont and Union school districts, the honorees were awarded $500 each at a May 11 ceremony in the Campbell Union High School District Office.

Bagby counselor Jeneva Sneed collaborated with Principal Kathy Kimpel to recognize Judge for nearly 35 years of work in the district. Judge also mentors new teachers. Kimpel said studies show that effective mentoring of new teachers helps keep educators committed to the profession.

She called Judge a "wonderful influence" on new teachers, whom she helps integrate into Bagby's community.

Sneed, a former Goldin recipient, said she has admired Judge since she taught Sneed's son, now 19, in first grade. "She absolutely works magic with children. She truly believes in each child," Sneed says. "Very few teachers got that out of him over the years."

Judge discovered she was nominated when Kimpel handed her a stack of nomination letters from her peers. "Those letters I will treasure forever," Judge said.